


^f- 



Tfic DOMESTiqATMi 



le WIL0 -QUA, 




I'h.iio b.v \VaU«n- K. Wfloli. 



•■CALlFUHNlA-b< GAMIEST BIRD" 
California Valley Partridge. 



QUAILOLOGY. 



The Domestication, Propagation, 

Care & Treatment of Wild 

Quail in Confinement. 



TOGETHER WITH 



Natural History Notes, Letters from Breeders 
& A Digest of Game Laws. 



WRITTEN & COMPILED BY 



CORRESPONDING SECRETARY 

NATIONAL QUAIL BREEDERS ASSOCIATION. 



With Illustrations. 



LITTLE SIOUX, IOWA, U. S. A. 

PUBLISHED BY THE TAXIDERM COMPANY 
1903 



THE LIBRARY OF 
CONGRESS, 


Two Copies 


Received 


MAR 20 1903 


u Copyright 
CUSS iX. 


Entry 

»Cc No. 
S 8 


COPY 


B. 



SfSto 



1 K-- 



EnLercU accordintr to Act of Congress, in the year 1903, 

BY HARRY WALLAS KERR. 

In the ofiR'c of the Librarian, at Washington. D. C. 






Part I Ornithology. Pages 9—26 

Part II Domestication, Propagation, Etc. 27—48 

Part III Letters & Clippings. 49—58 

Part IV A Digest OF Game Laws. 59—62 

Quail Toast. Woods & Waters, N.Y.City. 63 



^yitevt MA^v'i 'Viwivt ^P^*^^ f.j^^^ 9.^1^^ 9 rfrf*^" 9^^^ 

■-^^ -.flS^ -^fK; "<S^^^^:^^<i^>!: ^^.t 

<«atw^if *inf» f^ *i^» ^BB*** i^««A V>««v i^» 3rt\ i^wiiMk 



California Valley Partridge. Walter R. Welch. Page 2a. 

Texan Bob White. Dr. Pv. W. Shufeldt. 12a. 

Masked Bob White. Dr. Shufeldt from Seaton's Plates. 14a. 

Mountain Partridge. American Ornithology. 16a. 

Chestnut-bellied Scaled Partridge. Dr. R. W. Shufeldt. 18a. 36a. 

Gambel's Partridge. American Ornithology. 22a. 

European Quail. Dr. R. W. Shufeldt. 24a. 58a. 

Bob White Male Incubating. Geo. E. Moulthrope. 26a. 

Massena Partridge. Dr. R. W. Shufeldt. 32a. 

Mountain Partridge. " " " " 48a. 

Pair of Domesticated Bob White. PI. A. Boies. 54a. 

California Partridge. Dr. R. W. Shufeldt. 62a. 42£ 



The dew of dawn upon its crest, 
It wakes with morning from its rest 
Amid the waving, sparkling grass. 
That drips with diamonds where I pass; 
And with its downy throbbing breast 
Upon the gentle breeze caressed, 
It fades at distance from my sight. 
But lingers yet its sweet, "Bob White. 
—Basil B. Bassett 



INTRODUCTION. ^, 



In presenting this, the first edition of "QUAILOLOGY," I 
trust it may meet the long felt want for practical information 
regarding the quail family and how they may be taken from a 
wild state, domesticated, and successfully reared and cared for, 
in confinement. 

While I love to see these graceful birds in the full and free 
enjoyment of their liberty, I cannot but feel that those who de- 
nounce their keeping in confinement, look only at one side of 
the question, and take no account of the miseries and struggles 
for existence they encounter against winter and rough weather, 
the vermin and the shot-gun swine. I, however, would cry out 
against those who try to keep them and take no interest or 
trouble in making them happy and free from misery. Much 
misery is caused every day and many birds are lost from the 
lack of "know how" care, and an improper conception of their 
natural peculiarities, food and habits. Some who cannot, 
would if they "only knew how," make their birds happy. It 
is the purpose of this volume to, as clearly as possible, give the 
needful instruction to these and any who may wish to take up 
the culture of these game birds from a fanciers' standpoint. 

The culture of the quail is not entirely a new one, but it 
has not yet attained that public attention which is bound to a- 
rise when it becomes known what a pleasure and profit can be 
derived from it under proper management. 

The few who are in the business, or culture, as we prefer 
to call it, it may suffice to say will not desert it, as it is much 
more pleasant and far less disagreeable than other ventures of 
a similar nature. 

The quail is easily raised, costs very little to feed, is the 
healthiest, hardiest, cleanliest, and most prolific bird of the 
poultry yard, free from contagious diseases and brings a good 
price on any market. 



8 QUAILOLOGY - INTRODUCTION. 

Once started, the fascination, pleasure and profit in no 
way relaxes to induce the abandonment of the culture. 

There is much in the future for the culture. Not only in 
its advancement, but the improvement of the Bob-White, not 
only in markings but in the production of larger and more pro- 
lific new species. 

That crosses can be made and new varieties produced is yet 
a matter of doubt with many. It has not been sufficiently ex- 
perimented upon but to receive limited attention in this volume. 
Our experience, obtained from rearing these beautiful birds in 
the past ten years is related here, as well as notes from various 
breeders throughout the United States, to whom we give due 
credit. Also to the various Ornithological Reports and Works, 
on their description, range, nesting and feeding habits and 
peculiarities in a wild state, and to Dr. Shufeldt and others for 
photographs and drawings of live birds. 

It is not to be deemed a foolish fad, but a profitable, pleas- 
ant culture, the outcome of a desire to save from extermination 
and replace in a domesticated state, and improve, one of the 
noblest families of game birds. 



^^^^7^4:7 



QUAILOLOGY, 

Part I. 
ORNITHOLOGY. 



Order GALLING. Gallinaceous Birds. 

Granivorous and possessing strong claws for scratching. They include 
most of our domestic birds. 

Suborder PHASIANI. Pheasants, Grouse, Partridges, etc. 

Family TETRAONID^. Grouse, Partridges, etc. 
Game birds; flocks; generally polygamus; feed on insects, seeds, etc; do 
little injury; of vast economic importance. 

Subfamily PERDICIN^. Partridges. 
Genus COLINUS Less. 

BOB WHITE 

Colinus virginianus ( LiNN. ) 
Geog, Diet. — Eastern United States; west to Dakota, Kansas, Indian Ter- 
ritory and Eastern Texas. North to Southern Maine and Southern Canada, 
south to the Atlantic and Gulf States. (*) 

Sp. Char. "Forehead, and line through the eye and along the side of the 
neck, with chin and throat, white. A band of black across the vertex, and ex- 
tending backwards on the sides, within the white, and another from the maxilla 
beneath the eye, and crossing on the lower part of the throat; the under parts 
are white, tinged with brown anteriorly; each feather with several narrow, ob- 
tuse, V-shaped bands of black; the fore part of back, the side of the breast, and 
in front just below the black collar, of a dull pinkish red; the .sides of body and 
wing coverts brownish red; the latter almost uniform, without indication of 
mottling ; scapulars and upper tertials coarsely blotched with black, and edged 
internally with brownish yellow; top of head reddish; the lower part of neck, 
except anteriorly, streaked with white and black; primary quills unspotted 
brown; tail ash. Female: With the white markings of the head replaced by 
brownish yellow; the black ones with brownish. Young : Head ashy, with a 
" Gos.s' Birds of Kansas. 



10 QUAILOLOGY - ORNITHOLOGY 

narrow postocular white stripe, and the crown spotted with black; throat whit- 
ish; beneath pale dingy ashy; with whitish shaft streaks, and without black 
bars or other markings; above reddish or olivaceous drab, the feathers with 
whitish shaft streaks, and a large black spot, mostly on upper web. Chick : 
Head dingy buff; an auricular dusky elongated spot, and a vertical patch of 
chestnut rufous, widening on the occiput." 
Stretch of 
Length wing Wing Tail Tarsus Bill 

Male tO.Ul) lo.UO 4.45 3.70 1.25 ..55 

Female...- S».5U 14.70 4.35 2.65 1.25 .50 

Iris brown; bill dark brown, usually jiale brown at base of under mandible; 
legs and feet pale bluish to brownish gray ; claws black. (*) 

In this variety albinos are frequently reported; rangeing from a dusky to 
almost pure white. 

NESTS AND EGGS 

The favorite nesting places of this bird are on the ground along 
a fence row, at the foot of stumps surrounded by a thick growth 
of vegetation, and not infrequently do they select a site in a 
bunch of tall grass, or weeds, in the garden, or a cultivated field. 
Where there are rail fences the intersecting, invariably grassy 
nooks form a favorite nesting site. In the south "cotton rov/s." 
The second setting is often placed at the base, or in the top of a 
shock of small grain where their nest is often broken up by 
threshing before the setting is hatched. The nest is a very neat 
affair and is frequently arched over with grass forming a tunnel 
completely hiding it from view. In the meadow lands as well as 
grain fields many nests and eggs are annually destroyed during 
the haying and harvest season. 

Davie, in his Nests and Eggs of North American Birds, says: 
"Sometimes three broods are reared in a season," this however 
we cannot confirm, but invariably two broods are reared. The 
first nesting in May and the second the last of July or in August. 
An exceedingly late nesting is reported by I. S. Trostler, Omaha, 
Nebr. , ten fresh eggs being found in Pottawattamie County, la. , 
on September 12th, 1897. The nest was situated in an old unused 
potato field, under a vine grown bush. 

The number of eggs in a setting varies from twelve to twenty- 
five, and we know of one occasion of thirty-seven being found in 
a single nest, which we cannot but say must have been the 
complement of two females, while at the same time there was 
but one to be seen thereabout. The eggs are pure white, unless 

* (joss' Birds of Kansas. 



QUAILOLOGY - ORNITHOLOGY 11 

they have become stained from the grass upon which they are 
laid. One end is quite pointed and the other obtusely rounded; 
average size 1.20 x .95. 

HABITS 

This species is familiar to all, being known in the New England, 
Middle and Western States as the Quail, and in the Southern 
States as the Partridge or Virginia Partridge. It is unquest- 
ionably the most prolific of all our game birds. Its present name 
"Bob White," its cheerful note call, has at the suggestion of Pro- 
fessor Baird, become its present and accepted name. 

The birds thrive the best in the presence of man, where, if un- 
molested and protected against "game hogs," they become quite 
tame. In the colder sections many perish every winter for want 
of food and shelter. Where they are protected and fed they be- 
come very tame, and in many instances where they are protected, 
feed with the barnyard flock at the doorstep. 

Under the care and kind treatment of the true naturalist and 
fanciers why should they not become entirely domesticated, when 
their friendly relations are openly shown by them when they be- 
come so tame as to feed with the barnyard fowls at the doorstep? 
The destruction of them from various causes has brought about 
the solution of this question. 

Cultivated fields afford a safe retreat from their many enemies 
and insure a plentiful supply of food. They feed largely upon 
weed seeds, cut worms, army worms, twelve spotted cucumber 
beetles, chinch bugs, locusts, and many other injurious insects, 
and more than doubly repay the farmer for the few grains eaten 
before the harvest. The young at first feed exclusiuely on insect 
food and later on small seeds, grain and bugs. Aside from insects 
their food consists of buckwheat, wheat, rye, oats, seeds of the 
locust, wild peas, tick-tree-foil, sunflower, bitterweed, partridge 
berries, wintergreen, nannyberries, wild grapes, etc. In the late 
fall they often feed on seeds of skunk-cabbage, acorns and beach- 
nuts. 

Goss in his Birds of Kansas, says: "Although not strictly true 
to each other in their marriage relations, are very attentive and 
share alike in protecting and rearing the young. ' ' 

During the nesting season the female is seldom seen while the 
male, who is very attentive, attracts attention with his loud and 
fallacious call, usually uttered from a fence post or lofty position. 



QUAILOLOGY - ORNITHOLOGY 



12 



Should an accident befall the female, which sometimes unfortun- 
ately occurs, the male takes the whole duty of incubation upon 
himself. If the nest should be disturbed before the setting is 
complete it is usually abandoned, but should incubation have com- 
menced they will return and hatch their brood. 

The young birds leave the nest as soon as hatched and are often 
seen with fragments of the shell still clinging to them, and fol- 
low the mother bird. Upon being disturbed the young, at the 
warning note from the parent bird, scatter in all directions and 
are very hard to be found, owing to their color, so near that of 
the ground, dry grass and leaves. As soon as the young birds 
are able to fly they are taken in charge by the male and the hen 
proceeds to lay a second complement. 

They are never to be found in large flocks, each covey gener- 
ally keeping to itself and rarely moves far from the place where 
it was raised except on account of change of feed in the fall. 

The mating season begins in April when the covey, or such as 
remain, begin to break up, each pair selecting a suitable nesting 
site. 

During the past five years thousands of quail have been ship- 
ped from Kansas, Nebraska, and other Western States, to New 
England, and liberated to replenish the stock of resident birds 
which was almost exhausted. They thrive well. 




B(ib White, male iind female, natural size. 




(12a) 



Texan Bob White. 



Photo from lite by 
Dr. R. W. Shufeldt. 



QUAILOLOGY - ORNITHOLOGY 13 

FLORIDA BOB WHITB 

Colinus virginianus floridanus ( COUES. ) 

Geog. Dist. —Florida. 

Sp. Char. "Rather smaller, the male about the size of the female C. vir- 
ginianus, bat bill relativelj- larger, and jet black; colors darker, all the 
black 7iiarkings heavier, those of the under parts nearly as broad as the 
intervening white spaces, (f) 

NESTS AND EGGS 

General nesting habits and peculiarities the same as the C. 
VIRGINIANUS, eggs slightly smaller. The nesting season com- 
mences about a month earlier and the complement is less in num- 
ber, averaging 11 to 13. 

HABITS 

Generally the same as the C. virginianus. The mating season 
commencing about a month earlier. 

Very tame and confiding and when not molested prefer to live 
near the habitation of man, probably owing to their greater se- 
curity from attacks of beasts and birds of prey. 

They prefer an open woods grown up with saw-palmetto, low 
bushes, or fields with woods near them and are particularly fond 
of slovenly cultivated fields, grown up to bushes and weeds along 
the borders. 

Their food consists of insects, seeds and cabbage-palm berries. 

TEXAN BOB WHITB 

Colinus virginianus texanus ( Lawr. ) 

Geog. Dist. — Texas and North-Eastern Mexico, north to "Western Kansas. 

Sp. Coar, "General appearance that of C. virginianus. Chin, throat, 
fore-head and strip over the eye vphite. Stripe behind the eye, continuous 
with a collar across the lower part of the throat, black. Under parts white, 
with zigzag transverse bars of black. Above, pale brownish red, strongly 
tinged with ash, the feathers all faintly though distinctly mottled with 
black; the lower back, scapulars and tertials much blotched with black, the 
latter edged on both sides and to some extent transversely barred with 
brownish white. Secondaries with transverse bars of the same on the outer 
web. Wing covets coarsely and conspicuously barred with blackish. Lower 
part of neck ( except before ) streaked with black and white. 

"Female with the white of the head changed to brownish yellow; the 
black of the head wanting." * 

* Goss' Birds of Kansas. 

f Coues Key to North American Birds. 



14 QUAILOLOGY - ORNITHOLOGY 







Stretch i)f 












Len.nth 


wiiiv; 


WiiiK 


Tail 


Tarsus 


Bill 


Male 


9.25 


14.25 


4.25 


2.50 


1.15 


.56 


Female . . . 


. 9.00 


U.OO 


4.20 


2.40 


1.15 


.50 



Iris brown; bill and claws black; legs and feet olive gray. (*) 
NESTS AND BGGS 

The nesting habits and peculiarities of this species do not differ 
materially from those of the C. virginianus. The eggs are 
slightly smaller and about the same in numbers. 

The favorite nesting site of this species is a bunch of sedge- 
grass. J. A. Singley of Giddings, Texas, reports the finding of 
five eggs in the nest of a domestic hen not over thirty yards from 
a farm house, (a) 

Two or three broods are reared in a season, complete settings 
being found as early as May 3rd, to late in September. An un- 
usual complement of thirty-three eggs is noted but a reference is 
lacking. Eggs measure 1.04 x .98 to 1.20 x .95. 

HABITS 

This species is somewhat smaller and lighter colored than the 
C. VIRGINIANUS. It is a bird of the lowlands and is not found 
above two thousand feet altitude. 

Its food consists of small berries, acorns, green buds and leaves 
of aromatic herbs and small shrubs varied with an occasional 
beetle, grasshopper, and ants, especially the winged female of 
which they are very fond. 

They are very unsuspicious and their low notes uttered while 
feeding attracts many enemies, notably: the marsh hawk, fox, 
and the large rattlesnake, their worst enemy, so common in Tex- 
as. Many young are destroyed yearly by the heavy rains of 
June and July, and large numbers perish from cold and protract- 
ed wet weather. 

During the extreme hot weather of the summer months they 
may always be found under the large live oaks of the prairies. 

CUBAN BOB WHITE 

Collnus virginianus cubanensis ( Gould. ) 

Geog. Dist.— Cuba and Soiath- Western Florida. 

Sp. Char.— Slightly smaller and darker colored than the C. v. floridanus. 

(a) Bendire's Works. 
* Goss' Birds of Kansas. 




(Hii) Masked Bob White 

Photo b.v Uv. Shuffldt from Sciilon's Colored 1' 



QUAILOLOGY - ORNITHOLOGY 15 

NESTS AND EGGS 

Quoting Dr. Jaun Viaro, professor of natural history, Universi- 
ty of Havana, Cuba: "The Cuban Bob White lays from ten to 
eighteen eggs; these are usually deposited, between the months 
of April and July, in a slight cavity of the ground, sheltered by 
vegetation." 

HABITS 

Specimens intermediate between the Cuban and Florida Bob 
White have been taken on the east coast of Florida, near Miami, 
Dade County. Locally it is known as "Codorniz." 

It is common in Florida where it is not found at any time in the 
heavy forests, but along the outskirts, in the bushes and under- 
growth. It feeds on small fruit, seeds and leafy shoots. 

The male, according to the late Maj. Bendire, assists in the duty 
of incubation. 

MASKED BOB WHITE 

Colinus ridgwayi ( Brewst. ) 

Geog. Dist. — Sonora to Southern Arizona. 

Sp. Char. "Male, adult. Whole head, neck, and throat black, except 
the centre of the crown posteriorly and occipital and nuchal regions, which 
are varied with black, white, and cinnamon, the black predominating; 
under parts warm brownish cinnamon, immaculate except on the flanks, 
where a few of the feathers are spotted marginally with white and dull 
black, and on the under tail-coverts, the central feathers of which are broad- 
ly tipped with brownish- white and crossed with v-shaped bars of black; in- 
ner secondaries, wing-coverts, scapulars, and fore part of back of nearly the 
same color as the under parts but paler and pinker, the feathers everywhere 
barred and mottled with whitish and dark brown or dull black; upper tail- 
coverts, rump, and back posteriorly grayish-drab, obscurely barred and mot- 
tled with dark brown and whitish; primaries drab, mottled with whitish 
on their outer webs; tail feathers bluish-ash, finely vermiculated with pale 
brown and whitish, most strongly on the central pair. Bill black ; legs and 
feet horn color. Length 9.70; extent, 14.50; wing, 4.45; tail, 2.75; tarsus. 
1.30; bill, .30 deep by .34 long from nostril. —Type, No.3599, Coll. F.Stephens. 

This species seems to most nearly resemble C. coyolcos, but 
differs in the restriction of the black to the head, neck and throat, 
in the absence of white frontal and superciliary stripes, and in 
its decidedly larger size, (b) 

The type specimen was taken by Mr. Stephens, Aug. 11, about 

(b) The Auk, Vol. II, No. 3, April, 1885, p. 199. 



16 QUAILOLOGY - ORNITHOLOGY 

eighteen miles southwest of Sasabe, Sonora, Mexico, hence very 
near the boundray. Mr. Stephen on the same trip saw a precisely 
similar bird a few miles north of the line, and within Arizona and 
he writes me that he has recently examined two specimens which 
were actually taken in Arizona, thus adding the species to our 
fauna, (b) 

NESTS AND EGGS 

Similar to previous variety. The nesting season begins early 
in May. Average eleven eggs in a complement. 

HABITS 

This species does not appear to be a mountain bird, living in 
the mesas (table lands) in the valleys and possibly in the foot- 
hills. They call "Bob White" and also a second call "Hoo-we," 
articulated and as clear cut as the bob white. This second call is 
used when the birds are scattered and more especially when sep- 
arated near night-fall. They are very plump and over-match the 
Arizona Quail in size. 

Their food consists of mustard seeds, chaparrel berries, beetles, 
grass-hoppers, red ants, green leaves, etc. 

MOUNTAIN PARTRIDGE 

Oreortyx pictus. ( Doiiirl. ) 

Geog. Dist. — Pacific Coast from Santa Barbara north to Washington. 

Sp. Char. Back, wings and tail olive-brown, the inner secondaries and 
tertiaries bordered with whitish or tawny, forming a lengthwise border in 
single line when the wings are folded; the primaries and tail-feathers fus- 
cous, minutely marbled with the color of the back. Fore-parts, above and 
below, slaty-blue (above more or less glossed with the olive shade of the 
back, below minutely marbled with black); the throat chestnut, immediate- 
ly bordered laterally with black, then framed in a firm white line, broken 
through the eye, reappearing around base of under mandible. Extreme 
forehaad whitish. The arrow-plumes black. Belly chestnut, the sides band- 
ed with broad bars of black and white, or rufous- white; middle of the low- 
er belly, tibia, and flanks, whitish or rufous; crissum velvety-black, streak- 
ed with chestnut. Bill dusky, paler below; feet brown. Length 11.00-12.00; 
extent 1().0(»-17.00; wing 5.00-5.50; tail 3.00-3.50; tarsus 1.67; middle toe and 
claw about the same, (f) 

NESTS AND EGGS 

The eggs of this species are placed in a nest of dead leaves, on 

\ Cones Key to North American Birds. 

(b) The Auk, Vol. II. No. 2, April, 1S85, p. 199. 




(16a) 



Mountain Partridge. 



AniiTioiiu Ornilholony 



( 



QUAILOLOGY - ORNITHOLOGY 17 

the ground beside or under an old log, or on a side hill under a 
thick bush or clump of ferns, occasionally along the edge of clear- 
ings, grain fields or meadows. The eggs, six to sixteen in 
number, usually ten to fourteen, vary from a pale cream color to 
rich creamy buff; unspotted; short ovate in form. Nesting ! com- 
mences in May, and ordinarily but one brood is raised in a season. 
The eggs measure 1.36 x 1.02. 

HABITS 

This species is a larger and more handsome bird than the Bob 
White, being the largest of the American Partridges. The 
plumes which adorn the head are two in number, arrow-like and 
from three to four inches in length. These are noticable in the 
chick in the form of tufts of down. 

It is found breeding in the higher mountain ranges, not below 
4000 feet, and is a constant resident wherever found. It is found 
very abundant in Oregon. 

Prof. 0. B. Johnson of the University of Washington (Seattle) 
reports a covey wintering in a barn lot with the domestic poultry 
at the outskirts of Seattle, (a) 

Their food consists of insects and various kinds of seeds, and 
grain is never refused where it can be obtained. 

PLUMED PARTRIDGE 

Oreortyx pictus plumiferus. ( Gould. ) 

Geog. Dist. — Sierra Nevada ranges from Oregon southward; coast ranges 
of California to Cape St. Lucas. South of latitude 34 deg. in California only. 

Sp. Char. Above grayish olive, the hind-neck usually partly or wholly 
plumbeous, like the breast; inner edges of tertials light buff or buffy white- 
forehead distinctly paler ( often whitish ) anteriorly. (|) 

NESTS AND EGGS 

The nest is but a slight depression in the ground, scratched 
out, and lined with dry leaves, pine needles and such feathers as 
are lost by the hen during incubation. It is situated along or 
under an old log, under low bushes, tufts of weeds or ferns. The 
favorite nesting site is in the vicinity of logging camps, under 
the fallen tops of pine trees that are left by the choppers, which 
offer an excellent cover for their nests. The mating season com- 

(a) Bendire's Works. 

t Ridgways Nomiculture 



18 QUAILOLOGY - ORNITHOLOGY 

mences the latter part of March or early in Arpil. Complete 
complements are reported as early as April 7th and as late as 
August 15th, according to the latitude and altitude. Eggs ten to 
nineteen in number. 

In the higher mountains but a single brood is raised in a season 
while in the lower foot-hills two broods are raised, the male care- 
ing for the first brood while the female is hatching the second. 

HABITS 

Similar to the Mountain Partridge, in fact it is often known by 
that name and is more deserving of the title than the previous 
species. 

Its food consists of insects, buds and tender tops of leguminous 
plants, small seeds and berries of various kinds. 

SAN PEDRO PARTRIDGE 

Oreortyx pictus cofinis. 
Geog. Dist.— San Pedro Mountains, Lower California and southward. 
Sp. Char. Upper parts grayer: bill thicker than O. PiCTUS. 
NESTS AND EGGS 

Nesting habits the same as the preceding species, eggs re- 
semble in shape, color and number. 

HABITS 

Same as preceding species. 

Breeding range from foot-hills to tops of the highest peaks 
(up to about 12,500 feet), not common below 2,500 feet altitude. 

SCALED PARTRIDGE 

Callipepla squamata. ( Vig. ) 

Geog. Dist. — Northern Mexico and border of the United States, from 
Western Texas to New Mexico and Southern Arizona. 

Sp. Char. General color bluish-plumbeous, shading into olive-brown on 
the back and wings and to rufous on the under parts behind the wings, 
with a large abdominal area of orange-brown; the feathers of the neck all 
around and most of those of the under parts, sharply edged with black, 
producing a peculiar shell like appearance; on the breast the feathers also 
concealed reddish shaft-lines. Long feathers of the sides like the back in 
color, with white brown-edged stripes or long-oval spots. On the flank and 
crissum the feathers lose the scaly appearance, becoming blended rusty-brown, 
with linear, sagittate, or cordate dark spots. Inner secondaries edged with 
buff or whitish, affording to the folded wing the lengthwise stripe so char- 



QUAILOLOGY - ORNITHOLOGY 19 

acteristic of N. A. partridges. Quills plain fuscous; tailfeathers plumbeous. 
No definite stripes about the head; crest dark brov.'n ending in pure white. 
Length 10.00-11.00; extent 14.50-15.50; wing 4.50; tail 8.50; tarsus 1.35; mid- 
dle toe and claw 1.04. 

FEMALE; little different; head markings the same; the orange-brown of the 
belly reduced or wanting; size rather less, (f) 

NESTS AND EGGS 

The mating season begins as early as March; nesting commenc- 
ing early in April and until late in September. The nest is plac- 
ed upon the ground under the shelter of a yucca or a small bush, 
and is a slight depression in the ground, scratched out and but 
scantly lined with coarse grasses. Occasionally a wheat or grain 
field, alfalfa meadow or potato patch is selected as a nesting site. 

Two and even three broods are raised in a season, numbering 
from nine to sixteen each. The eggs are white or creamy white 
irregularly dotted with specks of various shades, buff, vandyke 
brown and lilac; size, 1.24 x .94. 

HABITS 

This handsome bird is usually known as the Blue Quail, also 
"White Top-knot Quail." It is a constant resident of Southwest- 
ern Texas along the valley of the Rio Grande. Very common in 
some portions of Southern Arizona in the open valleys, plains and 
along the foot-hills, shunning the timbered country. Is very shy 
and wary, difficult to approach; prefering to trust to its legs 
almost entirely as a means of escape, being an expert and swift 
runner, dodging in and out among the bushes with great ease and 
dexterity. The covey generally follow a leader in indian-file 
fashion, ranging from twenty-five to sixty or eighty in a covey. 

Its habits seem to differ in different localities. In some regions 
they are found only near water, while in others they are not 
found near water, but always from two to five miles away from 
v/ater, in which instance they have been observed to make reg- 
ular visits to the watering places late in the afternoon- Good 
clear water is a necessity to them. 

"The latter part of summer and early fall," says E. W. Nelson, 
"they gather into coveys, often containing several broods, as I 
observed in 1882 in the valley of the Gila river near Clifton, Ariz. 
At this season they frequent the barren hillsides or the now dry 
water courses and fields adjoining, associating with the Gambels 

i C(nies Key to North American Birds. 



20 QUAILOLOGY - ORNITHOLOGY 

Partridge. They are easily trapped in the fall and winter and 
many are caught by the natives and taken to the markets of the 
larger towns of New Mexico and Arizona." (a) 

Their food consists of small seeds, grain, berries of various 
kinds, tender tops of plants, small beetles, ants and grasshoppers. 

CHESTNUT-BELLIED SCALED PARTRIDGE 

Callipepla squamata eastanogastris. { Brewst. ) 
Geog. Dist.— Eastern Mexico and Lower Kio Grande of Texas. 
Sp. Char. Easily distinguished from the C. squamata, being a much 
richer and darker colored bird; a sub-species. 

NESTS AND EGGS 

Mating and nesting season somewhat earlier than the preced- 
ing species. Complete complements of eggs are reported from 
March 11th to July 10th. Two broods are unquestionably raised 
in a season, ranging from ten to twenty-three each, average 
fifteen. The eggs resemble those of the Scaled Partridge, but 
are lighter in color and more thinly marked. 

HABETS 

General habits and food similar to that of the preceding species. 

It appears to inhabit the low lands along the valley of the Rio 

Grande while the Scaled Partridge is confined to the table lands. 

CALIFORNIA PARTRIDGE 

Callipepla californica (Shaw.) 

Geog. Dist. — Coast region of California south to Monterey. Introduced in 
Oregon, Washington, and Vancouver Island, B. C. 

Sp. Char. Male. "With a small white line from bill to eye; forehead 
whitish with black lines; occiput smoky-brown; nuchal and cervical feathers 
with very dark edging and shaft-lines, and fine whitish speckling. General 
color of upper parts ashy, with strong olive-brown gloss, the edging of the 
inner quills brownish-orange. Fore breast slaty-blue; other under parts 
tawny, deepening centrally into rich golden-brown or orange-chestnut, all 
the feathers sharply edged with jet-black; sides olive-ashy like the back 
with sharp white strijjes; vent, flanks, and crissum tawny, with dark stripes- 
Length 10.00-11.00; wing 4.35; tail 3.75; tarsus 1.25; middle toe and claw 
rather more. Besides lacking the definite head-markings, the Female wants 
the rich sienna color of the under parts, which are whitish or tawny with 
black semicircles as in the male, the breast is olive-gray, (f) 

(a) Bendii-e's Works. 

t Cones Key to North American Birds. 



QUAILOLOGY - ORNITHOLOGY 



21 







California Partridge. 
NESTS AND EGGS 

The nests of this species are slimsy affairs, placed along side of 
a rock, log or old stump, under a pile of brush or in a bunch of 
grass or weeds. Occasionally it is placed in a perfectly open 
situation without any concealment. Now and then a hens nest 
in a chicken house is used, and unusual sites are often reported, 
but rarely in trees. Incubation twenty-one days. Occasionally 
two broods are reared in a season. The eggs, twelve to sixteen 
in number (as many as twenty-one have been recorded), are 
beautifully marked. The ground color is creamy-white, occasion- 
ally a decidedly buff set is found, marked with spots and blotches 
of dark chestnut-brown, olivacous drab and golden russett, gen- 
erally evenly scattered; shape resembling the Bob White. 

HABITS 

This handsome bird, commonly called the Valley or Top-knot 



22 QUAILOLOGY - ORNITHOLOGY 

Quail, has ak;o been introduced at Grand Junction, Colorado, and 
is becoming quite numerous. It is abundant in Oregon, but be- 
coming scarcer in California where fifteen years ago it was very 
common, this due to the excessive pursuit by gunners. A cons- 
tant resident and breeds wherever it is found. 

In localities v/here it is not constantly harrassed and hunted 
the California Partridge becomes surprisingly tame and confiding, 
becoming almost domesticated, and under such circumstances 
many nest close to houses, outbuildings, and in the shrubbery of 
the gardens adjacent to human habitations. It is much shyer 
and difficult to approach in the fall and winter. 

Its favorite haunts are the underbrush and thickets along the 
water courses, brush covered hill sides and canyons, frequenting 
the roads, cultivated fields, vineyards and edges of clearings to 
feed. 

The mating season commences early in March. Then the large 
pack, to which this species gather in the fall of the year, break 
up gradually, each pair selecting a suitable nesting site. 

The food of the young consists of insects, small seeds and 
chickv/eed. 

VALLEY PARTRIDGE 

Callipepla californica vallicola ( Ridgw. ) 

Geog. Dist.— Interior Regions of Califoruia and Oregon, south to Cape St. 
Lncas. Western Nevada. 

Sp. Char. A iialer and grayer colored bird than the C. californica; a 
sub-species. 

NESTS AND EGGS 

The mating season varies greatly, according to the occurence 
of early rains. When rain is plentiful the coveys break up in 
March. 

Nests and eggs similar to the preceding species in every re- 
spect. One brood, and not uncommonly two, are raised in a 
season numbering from twelve to twenty-four each. 

HABITS 

This sub-species inhabits the dryer interior valleys and foot hills 
throughout its range. In the Coso Mountains and on the west 
slope of Walkers Pass in the Sierra Nevada range in California it 
is found to range from the lowest part of the valley up through 




&i>,) 



Gambel's Partridge. 



xVmeiicun oniitholoi,''y . 







QUAILOLOGY - ORNITHOLOGY 23 

the canyons to the tops of the highest peaks, where it quite close- 
ly associates with the Mountain Quail during the breeding season. 

Introduced at Ogden, Utah where it is now found. Resident 
and breeds throughout its range. Becoming scarcer in California. 

A, C. Lowell, in Bendire's Life History of North American 
Birds, states that these birds are unable to stand the severe cold, 
especially when accompanied by a heavy fall of snow. 

It is never found in cultivated fields but remains on the brush 
covered hill sides. Roosts in the thick brush, but on the ground 
when brush is at hand. 

GAAIBBL'S PARTRIDGE 

Callipepla gambelii. ( Niitt. ) 

Geog. Dist. — Northern Mexico, Arizona, New Mexico, Sonthei'n Utah, 
Western Texas and Southern Nevada. 

Sp. Char. Male. Without white loral line; forehead black with whitish 
lines; occiput chestnut; nuchal and cervical feathers with dark shaft lines, 
but few dark edgings or none, and no white speckling. Gi-eneral color of 
upper parts clear ash}', the edging of the inner quills white. Fore-breast 
like the back; other under parts whitish, the middle of the belly with a 
large jet-ljlack patch; sides rich purplish-chestnut, with sharp white stripes; 
vent, flanks and crissum white with duskj^ streaks, Bill black; iris brown. 

Besides lacking the definite head markings the Female wants the black 
abdominal area, where the feathers are whitish with dark lengthwise 
touches; crest dark brown, not recurved, and fewer-feathered than that of 
the cock. Top of head grayish-brown, nearly uniform from bill to nape; 
throat grayish- white with slight dark pencilling. Chicks, in the down; 
Bill above reddish, nearly white below; feet dull flesh-color. Head dingy 
yellowish, with a large brown spot on the occiput, a few black, white- 
streaked feathers on crown, and the crest sprouting in a week or two. Up- 
per parts grayisli-brown mottled with black spots, and conspicuously striped 
with white lines. Outer webs of the sprouting quills marked with blackish 
and whitish. Throat white; other under parts narrowly barred with black 
and tawny-white, striped lengthwise with pure white. Sprouting tail-feath- 
ers like the primaries. Pullets, quarter-grown, 6-7 inches long; Leaden- 
gray, becoming tawny on the wings, which are still a little mottled as 
above described; below, light gray, nearly white on throat and belly. 
Breast waved with light and dark gray, with traces of the white stripes. 
Sides under the wings slightly fulvous or rufescent, but without definite 
stripes. Quills plain dusky; tail-feathers more plumbeous, marked with 
blackish and whitish, A broad white superciliary line. With the progress 
of the fall moult this dress changes for one like that of the adults, and 
the sexes are soon distinguishable, (f) 

f Coues Key to North American Birds. 



24 QUAILOLOGY - ORNITHOLOGY 

NESTS AND EGGS 

The mating- season commences the latter part of February, 
nesting the first week in April. The nest is usually slightly 
lined with bits of dry grass and leaves, often no lining whatever, 
but mere hollows in the dry sandy soil, usually under a pile of 
brush or in a clump of grass. Incubation twenty-one days. 

Eggs ten to twenty-four in number, short ovate in form, 
resembling the C. californica in color and markings. 

HABITS 

This is the characteristic game bird of Arizona, it in also known 
as the Arizona Quail. It is essentially a desert bird. Replaced 
in Texas by the Massena Partridge. W. E. D. Scott found it 
distributed throughout the entire Catalina region of Arizona 
below an altitude of 5,000 feet, (je) 

During the hot weather it prefers to remain in the cool spots 
of the creek bottoms, frequently perching in the trees and read- 
ily taking to trees at all times. 

MASSBNA PARTRIDGE 

Cyrtonyx montezumae (Vig. ) 

Geog. Dist.— Tablelands of Mexico from the City of Mexico north to 
Western Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. 

Sp. Char. Male: Upper parts intimately waved with black and reddish- 
brown and tawny-brown, and marked with sharp buff or whitish shaft-lines; 
on the wings the irregular black variegation changing to black bars and 
round spots, in regular paired series on each feather. Outer quills fuscous, 
their outer webs spotted with white or buff. Under parts crowded with 
innumerable round white spots on a dark ground, several pairs on each 
feather; the middle line of the breast and belly mahogany-colored, the flanks, 
vent and crissum velvety-black. Top of head black in front, with slight 
white touches, changing on the crest to brown. Sides of head and throat 
fantastically striped with black and white; a broad black throat-patch; 
another ou the cheeks; across lores and alongside of crown; a third on the 
ear-coverts; a fourth bordering the white all aroiind behind. Length about 
y.OO; extent 17.00; wing 4.75; t?ail 2.00; tarsus 1.20; middle toe and claw 
1.60; its claw alone 0.50, Female: Upper parts as in the male, but the 
markings of the wings less regular, more assimilated with the general 
variegation, and the tone more fulvous. No peculiar marks on head, throat 
whitish or buff; general tone of the under parts pale purplish-cinnamon, 
with fine mottling of black and white on each feather. YouNG Male: Re 
sembling the hen, but the under parts ochrey or whitish with black variegation. 

,K Davies' Nests & Eggs of North American Birds. 



QUAILOLOGY - ORNITHOLOGY 25 

CHICKS: scarcely fledged, 3 - 4 inches long. Bill reddish above; whitish 
below; feet dull brownish. Above, light warm brown, varied with black, 
boldly striped with white — each feather having a hammer-headed white 
shaft-line. Some inner wing-quills like the back ; others dusky with whitish 
shafts, broken-barred with buff, chiefly on outer webs. Below, buffy-white, 
with namberlsss spots of blackish paired on each feather, sharp and circu- 
lar on breast, further back widening to bars, (f) 

NESTS AND EGGS 

Nesting habits similar to preceding species. Eggs, eight to 
fifteen in number; white, smooth grain, ovate in form, otherwise 
resembhng the Bob White. 

HABITS 

This is one of the least known game birds of the United States. 
Very showy in full plumage. Better known in Western Texas 
as the Black or Black-bellied Quail, also as the Fool Quail. 

They are known to readily adapt themselves to changed condi- 
tions of life and are frequently confined in cages after having 
been caught from a wild state. 

Rarely seen in large numbers, usually six to ten in a covey. 
Migratory, going southward in the fall. Very fond of dusting 
themselves in the road. Of a very confiding disposition which 
has given it the name of Fool Quail. The pole-cat is their 
principle enemy. 

Their food consists of bulberous roots, seeds of lagumanous 
plants, grain, and grass roots. They are very fond of cactus 
seeds and insects, and seem to be very partial to coarse sand. 

EUROPEAN QUAIL 

Coturnix coturnix ( Linn. ) 

Geog. Dist. — Europe, Asia, etc. Introduced into the United States. 

Sp. Char. Upper parts variegated with buff or whitish and black upon 
a mixed reddish-brown and gray ground, the most conspicuous markings 
being sharp lance-linear lengthwise stripes of buff or whitish over most of 
the upper parts, these dashes mostly edged with black; other less prominent 
buff or whitish cross-bars, several to a feather, likewise framed in black. 
Crown mixed brown and black, with sharp median and lateral buff stripes. 
Throat white, bounded before by a dark bar curving down behind the 
auriculars; behind, by a necklace of ruddy-brown, blackish, of whitish 
spots; chin varied with dark marks in advance of the auricular bar. Under 
parts fading to whitish from the bhff or pale yellowish-brown breast, with- 

t Coues Key to North American Birds. 



26 QUAILOLOGY - ORNITHOLOGY 

oat any dark crossbars, but the long feathers of the sides and flanks with 
large and conspicuous white shaft-stripes and otherwise variegated with 
black, brown, and buff. Primaries fuscous, spotted with light brown on 
outer webs; secondaries similar, but the markings becoming bars on both 
webs. Tail-feathers brownish-black, much varied with shaft-lines, cross-bars, 
and edgings of buflf; crissum immaculate, like the abdomen. Bill dark; 
feet pale; iris dark brown. Length about 7.00; wing 3.75; tail 1.75; tassns 
1.00; middle toe and claw rather more, (t) 

In taking up this foreign species we rely greatly on a foreign 
author for data relative to its nesting, eggs and habits. Our 
text is drawn from his work and to him all credit is due, namely, 
J. M. Bechstein, M. D., in his "Cage and Chamber Birds," re- 
vised by H. G. Adams. 

The noting of the European Quail in this volume is made 
necessary by the importation of large numbers of these birds 
into the Eastern States, north to New Brunswick. The perma- 
nent naturalization of it is still questionable, either climatic 
conditions or food are unsuited to them. 

NESTS AND EGGS 

The only nest formed by this Quail, is a hole scratched in the 
ground, and lined with a few straws or grass stalks. The female 
does not lay her eggs, which are ten to fourteen in number, and 
bluish white with large brown spots, till late in the year, often 
not till July. Incubation twenty-one days. 

HABITS 

This Quail is a bird of passage, arriving in Germany in May 
and departing about the end of September. It frequents the 
fields of grain and especially those of autumn-sown wheat. 

Their food consists of all kinds of seeds and grain, for example, 
wheat, millet, rape, hemp and poppy seeds. It also feeds up- 
on green plants and insects; and is very fond of ants' eggs. 

It moults twice a year, namely in the spring and autumn. 
The females hatch their eggs and rear the young birds, which 
run about with their mother before they are fledged; though this 
takes place before the autumn migration. One brood is raised 
in a season. 



t Coues Key to North American Birds. 



QUAILOLOGY. 

Part II. 

DOMESTICATION, PROPAGATION, 

CARE & TREATMENT OF WILD 

QUAIL IN CONFINEMENT. 



i^ Introductory % \ 



While it is a little departure from the established custom to 
make introductory remarks at this time, we never-the-less wish 
here to sound a warning note to those few who are ever ready to 
"take-up and jump-into" a new hobby, culture, fancy or venture. 

The taming of and careing for the Quail is by no means a 
trivial affair, and to those who think it such we want to say, 
study the following pages carefully, and weigh in your own mind 
fairly and squarely, without imagination, what there is for you 
to do in the culture of the Quail. 

We do not say that anyone can raise Quail, because they can- 
not, unless they care for them properly. True, there is no great 
amount of labor and attention required, but that little must be done. 

The Quail, while it is one of our game birds, is also one of the 
innocent creatures of God's creation that bids our esteem in its 
native haunts and our careful attention and kind treatment in 
confinement. The successful one in the culture is he or she that 
loves it, takes naturally to it, sees in it the beautiful lines of 
nature's handiwork and cultivates them. The mere"water, feed 
and sell" man may succeed fairly well, but much more the one 
who studies carefully the peculiarities, habits, food and conditions 
that Mother Nature produces in her world-wide aviary, and 



28 QUAILOLOGY - DOMESTICATION, ETC. 

applies them to the comfort of his caged birds. Therefore it is 
essential that we know these, and from the preceding pages de- 
voted to Ornithology, some good points may be learned. Review 
them well and then let us procede. 



History i i "* 



We have often heard the remark made, "Oh you can't tame a 
Quail," * 'You never can tame them," etc, but we have tamed 
them, gained their confidence, and so long as we keep it we shall 
continue to bring them nearer to complete domestication in the 
full meaning of the word. 

A work issued several years ago, and from which a number oi 
reprints have been made and widely distributed, claims thi 
culture of the quail to be of recent years and in a little storj; 
gives the process, in several sections, of raising quail for profit 
and pleasure. However, the culture dates prior to eighteen 
hundred and ninty in America, while in Europe a work bearing 
the date of October 20, 1794 tells of the choice European Quail, 
so valued as a pet and singer. They were trained to sing, and s 
bird uttering their peculiar note "Pickvervik!" ten times in 
succession was highly prized while a very valuable bird is record- 
ed as uttering it thirty times. The work also treats on the 
methods of taking, careing and feeding. 

In this country numbers of naturalists and lovers of nature 
have, in years past, tamed the quail, but is true that the ad- 
vancement of the culture has gained ground in the last five 
years. This due to the fact that these game birds are becoming 
scarcer and their preservation is of importance and it lays with the 
true fancier to save them from extermination, by domestication. 

The author has bred quails from a fanciers standpoint for 2 
number of years, and has received hundreds of inquiries for in- 
formation such as we shall endevor to impart here. Many others 
have been breeding and experimenting with quail and we have 
given space to their views on this subject in another part of this 
work. 

In 1899, an association was formed, styled The National Quai! 



QUAILOLOGY - DOMESTICATION, ETC 29 

Breeders Association, of which the writer was and is Correspond- 
ing Secretary, having as its object the general advancement of 
the culture and the dissemination of a more thorough knowledge 
of these game birds together with the pleasure and profit to be 
derived from the intelligent care and breeding of the several 
varieties. Up to the present time very little has been done but 
it is to be hoped that some progress will be made during the 
coming season. 



I IJ Procuring Stock || 



=1H 



di 



The procuring of stock will first receive our attention, while it 
might possibly have been better for us to have considered a 
home for the birds, before procuring them. Never-the-less we 
infer the amateur will study this work thoroughly, before ven- 
turing into the culture, and have an aviary all ready for the 
reception of his stock. 

There are several ways of procuring a start; procure eggs and 
hatch out the chicks; trap the wild birds; or purchase domesti- 
cated stock from some reliable fancier, we wont say dealer, as we 
trust there are none who come under that term as we define it, 
"water, feed and sell" regardless of merit. 

Eggs may be secured from the nests of the wild birds. The 
reader will find the Ornithological portion of this work valuable 
in determining when and where to search for the nests and eggs 
of the various species. When found, if the nest does not contain 
a full setting do not disturb it, as you are liable to cause the female 
to abandon it. Watch it as closely as possible and when the 
female stops laying remove the eggs and pack them carefully in 
in saw-dust or cotton, and as soon as possible transfer them to 
the incubator or place them under a hen. The hatching out will 
receive our attention later on. 

Wild birds may often be obtained from commission merchants 
in the larger cities, as they often receive crates of live birds for 
the markets. In purchasing these, however, one runs consider- 
able risk of losing his stock, owing to the fact that many are 
injured in transit or injure themselves while confined in the 



30 QUAILOLOGY - DOMESTICATION, ETC. 

crates. The long journey and improper food also has a disas- 
trous effect on them. However some choice birds can be se- 
cured as well as those of various species. I have seen the com- 
monly called Mexican Blue Quail in Chicago markets, and fre- 
quently, I am told, other varieties are received. 

Where game laws do not conflict, or upon your own premises, 
a good plan is to trap the old birds. This should be done in the 
fall or early winter and the birds placed in their permanent 
quarters as soon as possible so that they may become accustom- 
ed to their surroundings and begin to breed the following 
spring. The use of the regular Partridge or Quail Nets is a 
good method, or box traps. Where it possible to secure a male 
or female to use as a decoy, the operation of trapping is easily 
facilitated, but where none can be had, the beginner must 
wait until the ground is covered with snow and feed is scarce, 
to make any progress in trapping. We will not go into the 
question of traps and nets as we presume there are but few 
who do not know how to make box traps or set a net, and where 
the quail are most likely to be found in his neighborhood. 

/ .. ^. - . ^ 



This is a question upon which only suggestions and general 
remarks can be made and the essential points brought out. We 
assume that our ideas vary and that your circumstances and 
conditions may not permit of your following a fixed plan. 

In constructing an aviary we must remember that the quails 
need plenty of fresh air and sunlight, also a certain amount of 
shelter. Many birds perish every winter, in their native 
haunts, from cold and exposure, so we must have a certain 
amount of shelter for them. Again some varieties require more 
shelter than others owing to the variation from the climatic 
conditions of their native ranges. 



QUAILOLOGY - DOMESTICATION, ETC. 31 

V/ith the exception of one or two varieties, the quail family 
all roost on the ground and seldom take to the trees so that it 
is not necessary that we should build the aviary or shelter 
house high. It should be kept clean and well painted through- 
out every season with carbolineum, or whitewashed. With 
the the exception of the house it should not be floored as the 
birds delight to scratch and dust themselves. 

When possible the aviary should be placed on a grassy plot 
and where there are such, over an ant-hill, as the birds are very 
fond of ants and ants' eggs. 

Our breeding pens are 12 x 8 and 3 1-2 feet high. One end 
and the top are boarded up, and a trap door placed in the top 
to admit of access in cleaning and feeding. A twelve inch 
b oard is placed on the bottom of either side and the remainder 
of the sides covered with inch mesh woven wire. During the 
breeding season a foot wire screen is placed above the foot 
boards, the entire length, to keep tlie little chicks from escap- 
ing. The remaining end is closed by one side of the nesting 
and shelter house, it a trifle higher and sloping to two and a 
half feet behind, and three feet in width. In this are placed 
a row of nesting boxes, shelves for the birds to roost on if they 
choose to in bad weather, dusting and grit boxes. A window, 
which may be darkened during the nesting season, is placed 
in one end for light, and a door to admit of cleaning, etc, at 
the other end. This is so constructed as to be warm during 
the winter and well ventilated during the summer, and forms 
a quiet retreat for the birds at all times. Openings, which may 
be closed when desired, are cut to admit of passage to and from 
the house to the run. The house is well floored and during the 
winter the floor is covered, to a depth of two or three inches, 
with nice clean straw, and our birds never suffer from the cold. 
In the run we place a dusting box, which is kept filled with 
road dust, a grit box and a very shallow water dish, this should 
not contain more than a half inch of water as we once had the 



32 QUAILOLOGY - DOMESTICATION, ETC. 

misfortune to lose a brood of young chicks by their getting 
drowned in a deep water dish. A few perches in the run, and 
a pile of brush with a little straw thrown over it to serve as a 
run retreat, and we have an aviary that is large enough for a 
dozen to eighteen birds and their chicks, an aviary that is not 
so cumbersome but what it can be moved from one spot to 
another. We will add, however, that it is advisable to sink an 
inch mesh woven wire, to the depth of eighteen inches, all 
around the aviary, and attached to it, to prevent their greatest 
enemy, rats, from gaining access to the birds. 

'^"~Tamlng The Wild Quail f^ 



Having our aviary in readiness for the wild birds we have 
trapped or netted, we will, before placing them in their perma- 
nent quarters, proceed to overcome their wild nature and gain 
at least a portion of their confidence, and accustom, them to our 
attention and approach. First we will place them in a taming 
box especially designed for that purpose, a small box only 
large enough to admit of their turning around and stretching 
their legs. The front may be covered with common wire 
screen and the top MUST be made of cloth, for the reason that 
the quail, when startled, are addicted to springing up, and they 
go with considerable force. If the top be made of wood they 
are very apt to injure themselves and die from the effects. A 
door is made in one end to admit of feed and water and we are 
ready for the birds. Gently stroking them, we place them one 
by one into the box, and without disturbing them or allowing 
them to be disturbed, we leave them to themselves until feed- 
ing time. We feed them twice a day at regular hours, and as 
often as opportunity permits or our time allows, we open the 
little door and caress the birds, stroking them gently and call- 
ing them by name or softly imitating their note call, take one 



QUAILOLOGY - DOMESTICATION, ETC. 33 

out and caress it gently for a few minutes and then place it 
back and take up another. Their box is small and they have 
not the opportunity to flutter and fly around and become wild- 
er. They soon learn that they are not to be harmed and sub- 
mit to caressing, where if the box was larger we would scare 
the life out of them in trying to place our hands on them, this 
is one object of the smallness of the box. Another is, that 
taken from their world-wide aviary and placed in a cage of 
any size they would feel the sense of confinement, and being 
subjected to close confinement at first, they more fully appre- 
ciate the liberties of a larger aviary when placed in their per- 
manent quarters. As they grow tamer we increase the range 
of their liberties and place them in a larger box, and finally 
place them in their permanent quarters, where they soon begin 
to feel at home and are not disturbed at our approach. 

A greater number of birds may be handled successfully by 
the use of two boxes, barely large enough to hold them, and 
transferring the birds from one to the other several times a 
day, carefully caressing each one and imitating its note-call 
as it is transferred. 

It is a certain fact that there is a difference in people, and 
that some have a more convincing way that appeals to wild 
nature, than others, but if care and kind treatment are used 
most anyone can overcome the wildest of nature in the quail. 

A certain breeder offers the following method by which the 
quail may be tamed and brought under complete control in the 
space of a few hours. — "A portion— larger, or smaller, in pro- 
portion to the wildness of the bird— is cut off from the inner 
plume of the pen feathers, so that the bird cannot hurt itself 
if it attempts to leave the hand, and the external appearance 
of the wing is not impaired. The nostrils of the bird are then 
touched with bergamot, or any odorous oil, by which it is 
for a time so stupefied, as to perch quietly on the finger, or 
to hop from one finger to another. It may indeed attempt to 



34 QUAILOLOGY - DOMESTICATION, ETC. 

fly away once or twice; but this is not often repeated especial- 
ly if the experiment be tried in a dark place— as for example, 
behind a curtain, which offers the further advantage that if 
the bird should fall it is not liable to hurt itself. As soon as it 
sits quietly on any one finger, another finger must be placed 
in such a position as to cause the bird to step upon it; and as 
soon as it is accustomed to hop quietly from one finger to 
another, the main difficulty is overcome. For if when the 
bird is gradually aroused from its state of stupefacation, it 
perceives that its teacher does not use it roughly, it may by 
degrees be taught to manifest perfect obedience to his com- 
mands. Etc " 

This method may be allright for all we know, we have never 
tried it, but we prefer the former mothod to taking any chance 
of losing a bird by an overdose, which is liable to occur espec- 
ially when the bird is first taken and is highly excited. 

Patience, good care and kind treatment seldom fail to reward. 



yj =m 



L 



i U As Pets i 



No other bird is more fascinating, more affectionate, more 
pleasing, or more cleanly in its habits, than the quail. It is 
far more affectionate than the pet bantams. His note-call is a 
signal of a hearty "Good Morning"; a pleasant thought of a 
day well spent. 

"But lingers yet, it's sweet ■'Bob-White." 

A cheerful companion at all times, but his training and 
teaching is not of a trivial nature. Not the old bird, but the 
youngest chick, just out of the shell, must be the subject of 
our training, for a pet. 

The better plan is to take the brood hatched out by a pet 
bantam hen, preferably a Buff Cochin, or even better an incu- 
bator hatched brood. In the latter case, however, we will 



QUAILOLOGY - DOMESTICATION, ETC. 35 

need the service of a brooder. (This will be referred to in 
"Feed and Care of Chicks,") Place the foster-mother and 
her brood in your office, place of business, shop, or home, 
where they v/ill come under your attention, so to speak, a hun- 
dred times a day. Their cage may be made suitable for the 
place it is to occupy, but such as will admit of room for them 
to run and stretch their tiny legs, due regard being given to 
the question of sunlight, ventilation, and protection against 
cats. Feed them often at first, but don't overfeed them. In- 
vite them to pick a morsel from your finger; if they have not 
had their appetite fully satisfied, they will pick at it out of 
curiosity, and finding it good to eat they are ready for another 
invitation. Teach them to perch upon your finger; they may 
resist a little at first, but patience and a little petting will en- 
courage them. Invite their song by imitating the note-call of 
their species. Under proper care and treatment they will 
thrive and become very tame under your care and may be 
taught to respond a cheery '"Bob-White" at your signal, as well 
as come at your command. 

Care should be taken to keep the little fellows out of hearing 
distance of wild or semi-tamed birds, as they will very soon 
teach them to be shy by their warning calls. For this reason 
it is not advisable to attempt to tame chicks hatched by the 
quail, unless a perfectly tame one, as they are taught the wild 
traits from the moment they leave the shell. 

We have not the time to devote to making perfect pets of our 
birds, such as would like to do. One especially, which we have 
christened "Dick," a male Valley Partridge, is the chief of our 
attention. He is quite content to perch upon our finger and 
be caressed, but resents any false movements with a peck of 
his bill. He is an all around mischief, and a fighter "from a- 
way-back." The English Pheasant cocks take a back seat for 
him and even our old speckled rooster says, "git-out." 

Where a specialty is made of it, birds are easily tamed, taught 



36 QUAILOLOGY - DOMESTICATION, ETC. 

to obey commands and sing, as such they bring a good price. 

'^^' Mating & Nesting '" ^ 



Here we have a subject, that a portion of which at least, is 
is very interesting, and worthy of more discussion than we are 
able to give it here. There is much to be developed and 
brought out in the breeding of the quail. There is room for 
the true fancier to display his scientific ability and ingenuity in 
breeding for points and markings, an opportunity for interest- 
ing experiment and the improvment of species, or the cross 
breeding and bringing out of new species, or as we may then 
be permitted to say, breed, or strains. Every fancier has, or 
will develop, an ideal of his own and will work toward that 
standard. Nature has by virtue of different locations and 
climatic conditions, given us four variations in the Bob-White 
alone, to work upon— the Bob-White, Florida Bob-White Texan 
Bob- White and Cuban Bob- White,— all varying in the complex- 
ion of their dress, from a light ashy to a deep brownish red. 
In these we have an opportunity to enrich marking as well as 
a few points. 

Again we find other divisions of the quail family, some very 
prolific but small in size, others of good size and attractive 
plumage but not so prolific breeders. "Will they cross?" we 
are asked. They will if conditions are right, but we are not 
prepared to say in this edition what the product would be. We 
had the misfortune to lose a setting, of a cross between a Val- 
ley Partridge cock and a Bob-White hen, this season and are 
exceeding sorry to so state as we had hoped to give the result 
in this edition. Well, but there'll be trouble on hand when 
you put them in a cage together! -Certainly there will, if the 
conditions are not right, in which case you are liable to lose 
your female. Use a little "Yankee Ingenuity" and the result 



QUAILOLOGY - DOMESTICATION, ETC. 37 

will be more favorable. Remove the birds from the rest of 
flock in the fall or winter; place each in an adjoining cage and 
allow them to remain so until spring opens up. When the 
female begins to show signs of mating, place them together in 
an aviary by themselves, removed from your other birds, and 
we think you will obtain results. In cross mating any species 
it is well to follow this plan, especially if it happens to be an odd 
male, as he will pursue the female with great ardour and strip 
her of her feathers, if she does not yield to his desires. 

In mating up the Bob-White, or other varieties, the fanciers 
object, if he be a fancier at all, is to improve the species in 
size and markings, and to secure better layers. In every covey 
we find some culls, some on the average and a few that are to 
be prized above others. The latter are the ones we must look 
to for results in the realization of our ideal. 

The making up of the breeding pens and the selection of 
birds should be done in October and November, and those 
which are of the best markings, size, and of the hens that have 
layed the best layers, selected to give the best results. The 
quail is, in instances, polygamous to a certain extent, but it is 
advisable to pair the birds up, as the cock is very affectionate 
during the nesting season and frequently performs a portion 
of the duties of incubation. As far as possible secure birds 
from unrelated coveys, to make up your breeding pens; new 
blood should add vitality to your stock, if well selected. Some 
contend that better results are obtained where smaller aviaries 
are used and a single pair placed in each. We have no argu- 
ment to offer for this idea as we get the best possible results 
from our birds with seven and eight pairs in an aviary. 

As no standard has yet been made, and there is none except 
the ideal in the eye of the fancier, much cannot be said along 
the line of technical mating. However, whether mating for 
fancy or market purposes, always select the best stock and use 
the culls for table purposes. 



38 QUAILOLOGY - DOMESTICATION, ETC. 

The mating season varies with different species, as will be 
noted by a glance at the Ornithological portion of this work. 
Location also governs the season to a certain extent. The 
nesting season follows closely. 

Quails prefer to build their own nests, and in the art of home 
building they are expert architects, almost always concealing 
their nest where even the most careful observer will not easily 
detect it. The nesting boxes in the shelter house should be at 
least six inches square, and are at the disposal of the hen. A 
quantity of fresh dirt should be spread in each section, and in- 
to each a handful of hay or straw stuffed, the arrangement being 
left to the hen to shape up after her own taste. After the first 
brood is hatched out the nest boxes should be cleaned out and 
prepared for a second nesting in the same manner. 

^^^ Eggs Zr Incubation ^^ ^ 



The common bob-white hen lays from twelve to twenty-five 
eggs at a setting, or from twenty-four to fifty in a season. 
This last number, however, is a high estimate, as the second 
setting is quite frequently smaller than the first. The first 
setting is generally large, from eighteen to twenty-five, while 
the second ranges from twelve up, according to the lateness of 
the season and the condition of the hen, after having hatched 
and cared for her first brood. With the possible exception of 
the first egg, the fertility is one hundred per cent. 

Various theories are advanced as to the variation in numbers 
of eggs layed. The fact that the hen can cover, and success- 
fully hatch out twenty-five eggs, disproves the theory that the 
instinct of the hen that she connot cover more, prompts her to 
cease laying and commence to set when she has deposited some 
twelve or thirteen eggs in the nest. We are inclined to believe 
that where the settings are small, and especially the first, it is 



QUAILOLOGY - DOMESTICATION, ETC. 39 

due to the strain of the birds, improper feed and care, or to be- 
ing disturbed during the laying period, and not to instinct or 
too early setting as we find these same variations in the case of 
birds in their native haunts, where conditions are invariably 
at their best. 

The only remedy for these small settings is the careful mat- 
ing up of birds and the introduction of new blood. The idea 
that you may cheat a quail, by removing an egg every other 
day after nine or ten have been layed, and thereby secure more 
eggs is absurd. Madam Quail is very particular about her 
home apartments and any derangement, or the touching of an 
egg before incubation has commenced, will be detected and 
cause her to desert the nest and seek concealment elsewhere 
for another setting. So that in case you wish the parent birds 
to hatch out their own eggs, do not disturb them at all, keep 
out of their private apartments altogether. They know how 
to conduct the hatchery. 

When the eggs are to be hatched out by a bantam hen or in 
the incubator, the nest may be very cautiously observed to note 
the deposit of the first egg, then the date recorded, and when 
the hen has had time to complete her setting, about eighteen 
to twenty days, or has just commenced to set, open the nest 
and remove the eggs. When thus deprived of the first setting 
she will almost immediately proceed to prepare another nest 
and deposit another setting. In this manner three settings 
are often secured in a season. 

As soon as the eggs are taken from the quails nest, whether 
from the wild or tame birds, they should be placed in the incu- 
bator or under a bantam as soon as possible, so that should in- 
cubation have commenced the germ will not be injured. 

In selecting a bantam for hatching out quail eggs we would 
recommend a buff cochin, as they are good setters and make 
tender mothers. The nest can be made in a box sufficiently 
deep to permit of the top being covered with screen, and not 



40 QUAILOLOGY - DOMESTICATION. ETC. 

discommode the hen, about the time the chicks are to hatch. 
The bottom should be covered with fresh dirt, and a sufficient 
amount of clean straw or hay arranged in it to make a good 
nest and we are ready for the hen, which should be free from 
VERMIN and kept free from lice as these pests will cause the 
loss of every chick if allowed to affect them, and eggs. Do 
not give the hen more eggs than she can cover nicely. About 
the time the eggs are to hatch, the 19th to 21st day, cover the 
box with a wire screen to keep the chicks from escaping. 
Remove the hen and chicks the day following their hatching to 
their run quarters, as further noted under ' 'Feed and Care of 
Chicks." 

We have had considerable experience with one of Geo. H. 
Stahl's "Wooden Hen" incubators, 50 capacity, running it ac- 
cording to the regulations for hatching out chicken eggs. In 
connection we have used his "Hen" brooder. Our experience 
has been profitable in that we never lost an egg, and find our 
incubator hatched birds to be as healthy and much tamer than 
those hatched by the parent birds or bantam hens. 

^ ''' i Feed h Care i ^ ^ 



Here we come to the most important topic of our work, for 
upon the feed and care of our birds greatly depends our suc- 
cess. Here we have again to look into the secrets of Nature 
for the proper articles of sustenance for them, to bring forth 
satisfactory results, healthy and prolific birds. Every care 
should be taken to supplant the conditions and food supplied by 
Nature. A regular hour for feeding, a variation of food, plenty 
of animal and vegetable matter, clean fresh water every day, 
grit, and a good supply of road dust for dusting purposes. 
The aviary should be so placed as to give plenty of sunlight 
and shelter during the winter months, and in the summer to 



QUAILOLOGY - DOMESTICATION, ETC. 41 

permit of some shade during the extreme hot weather. In the 
notes on our aviary we gave the requisites of the aviary and 
runs for the comfort of the birds. 

The quail is prone to rustle for a living, picking up a bit of 
grain here, an insect there, spiced with a bit of vegetation 
to flavor, and now and then a few grains of sand or fine gravel 
to grind the mixture. Too much feed will make them too fat 
and tend to make them lazy, while an insufllicient quantity or 
improper kind and variety will bring disease and unsatisfactory 
results in eggs and chicks. 

The observing student will note that that the wild quail are 
found upon the feeding grounds, or along the roadsides, in 
search of food, in the early morning hours and late in the 
afternoon. Although the quail feeds more or less on insects 
during the day, it is at these hours that it searches for solid 
grain and seeds. Therefore, we make it a point to feed twice 
a day, the first thing in the morning and about four thirty in 
the afternoon. 

The Spratts people have made extensive experiments along 
the food lines of our game birds, especially adapted for pheas- 
ants, which are also valuable in the culture of the quail. 
Where their game food is used, it should be mixed with water 
only sufficient to make it moist, not sloppy, a half pint of meal 
when mixed being sufficient for fifteen or sixteen birds. This, 
prepared a few hours before using and then mixed with a 
tablespoonfull of "Crissel," makes a good morning feed. A 
handfull of cracked corn, wheat, or buckwheat in the even- 
ing, and a supply of green food once a day, will keep them 
in good shape. In feeding grain give but one kind at a time 
and change the feed from one to the other thus keeping 
their appetite for each good. Where the birds are kept in 
movable pens, which may be moved about the lawn, changing 
the location daily, the giving of green food in the summer 



42 QUAILOLOGY - DOMESTICATION, ETC. 

time is obviated. In the case of stationary pens, feed clover, 
chick-weed, lettuce, oats, rye, etc, cut in half inch, or less 
lengths. This should be given fresh daily and only in such 
quantity as the birds will eat up well. In the winter season 
substitute clover meal. 

Egg-0 is also highly recommended by some fanciers as great 
food for quail, but as we have never tried it we cannot speak 
for or against it. Where the prepared foods are not obtainable 
or not preferable, a wholesome feed for a morning meal is a 
mash composed of clover meal, middlings, bran, ground beef 
scraps and boiled potatoes. In the evening the grain food as 
before stated. 

Another good feed is a mash made of wormy currants or 
raisins ground up and mixed with coarse ground corn meal, 
bread scraps, middlings, and boiled potatoes. Merchants often 
throw out currants and raisins that have become wormy, which 
are alright for quail feed, and can be had for the taking of 
them away. During the winter the mash should always be 
fed warm in the mornings. 

Among other good foods for quail are millet seed, kafRr corn, 
hemp, sunflower seed, fresh ground green bone, maggots, meal- 
worms, etc. From the food in the wild state, as noted in the 
Ornithological portion of this work, other foods will be noted 
that might be fed if they can be secured. Quail are also very 
fond of ants and ants' eggs. These may be secured by digging 
out an ant-hill, placing dirt, ants, eggs and all in a grain sack 
and subjecting them to the heat of an oven for a short time to 
cook them. Feed when desirable for a change, or mix with 
mash. They make quite an article in the way of a substitute 
for the insect food but should not be depended upon entirely as 
a substitute. They also make excellent food for the little 
chicks. 

For a grit use crushed oyster shells ground fine, mica crystal 
grit of the pigeon size, or coarse sand and fine gravel. A 



QUAILOLOGY - DOMESTICATION, ETC. 43 

supply of grit must be kept where the birds can get it at any 
time. 



Feed & Care of Chicks 



^ 



Remove the chicks from the incubator soon after they are 
hatched and place them in the brooder, to which may be at- 
tached a screen run. This should, as all of the runs, etc., be 
protected against cats, dogs and vermin. The first thing that 
will apprise the mind of the chicks is something to eat. 
Their curiosity is aroused by every speck. Sprinkle a little 
feed where they will notice it and they will soon find out what 
is good to eat and you will have no trouble. 

Where the chicks are hatched out by a bantam; Remove 
them the following day, with their foster mother, to a run 
you have previously constructed for them. If it is to be kept 
indoors, it may simply be a screen pen 2x3 feet and two feet 
in heighth. If it is to be for out-of-doors and for permanent 
quarters until the chicks are old enough to be placed in the 
large aviary, it should be made larger, say 2 or 3 by 6 feet 
and two feet in heighth, covered with wire screen and a small 
shelter house constructed at one end, with suitable openings 
throughout for feed and care, also due protection against 
their many enemies. Place this aviary on the lawn or grassy 
plot and put the family in it. Move it frequently to new 
ground. Right here let us caution that all houses and runs 
should be placed on good high and dry ground. Damp ground 
or depressions where water is apt to stand are dangerous to 
the health of the birds, especially the young. Chicks should 
not be allowed to run in the wet grass. Keep them in the 
shelter house at such times. 

If the chicks are hatched out by the parent birds they may 
be cared for in the large aviary, a greater assortment of feed 



44 QUAILOLOGY - DOMESTICATION, ETC. 

being required, as the old birds will help themselves to the 
chick food in preference to their own. 

In feeding young chicks great care should be taken not to 
overfeed. An always hungry appetite with them is a whole- 
some one, besides it saves the cleaning out of stale food which 
should never be allowed to accumulate. Sour food of any kind 
is unv/holesome. 

The feed for the first week should consist of corn meal and 
middlings mixed with the raw yolks of one or more eggs. 
Some fanciers say hard boiled eggs; we cannot agree with 
them as it is the most indigestible food for little chicks. Feed 
the above sparingly and often at first, four or five times a day. 
To this may be added ants and ants* eggs, and the bread 
crumbs from your table will also be welcomed. A little later 
maggots may be added to the diet. They may be produced by 
exposing a piece of meat or sheep pluck to the flies and then 
burying it in wet bran for a few days. A little millet seed can 
now be given, and the third or fourth week you may commence 
to merge them onto the softer food of the old birds. 

Keep the water dishes clean and a supply of fresh water 
always in them, not too much, as it don't take a great amount 
of water for a little quail, no bigger than the end of your 
thumb, to get drowned in. 

Give a little grit in the form of sand, and don't fail to be 
ever on your guard against lice. 



=^ 



Enemies & Diseases 



The quail in the wild state has many enemies, the biggest of 
which is the "game hog," but we trust our efforts here will 
not extend his operations. In the state we have to consider it, 
its enemies are not so numerous, still there are a few, the 
house cat being the worst. Next we may enumerate the dog, 



QUAILOLOGY - DOMESTICATION, ETC. 45 

rats, skunks, mink and insect vermin, 'especially lice. Of these 
however, quail are usually free from if they have plenty of 
road dust to dust themselves in. 

Contagious diseases— we know of none. Occasionally a bird 
is lost from old age, accident or improper care. If the houses 
and runs are kept clean and fresh, well whitewashed or paint- 
ed; the .water dishes clean, and always filled with fresh water; 
wholesome food and plenty of grit are fed; and plenty of dust- 
ing material kept on hand for them, there is little likelihood of 
disease entering the flock. 

The only report that we have of any affliction is by Lyman 
Belding of Stockton, California, who states ' 'About one out of 
ten of the young Plumed Quail in Nevada, Placier, Eldorado 
and probably other counties in the Sierra Nevadas, are infest- 
ed with tape worm As I have never found a tape 

worm in an adult I suppose the young afflicted quail die before 
reaching maturity. ' ' 



r 



Jfl Proper Shipping 

a — F g 



In the transportation of the quail very few people conceive 
the idea^that a cloth top, or padded top, crate is a necessity to 
the safety of the birds while enroute. Quail when startled will 
spring upwards with great force and would injure themselves 
greatly if protective methods were not taken to guard against 
such injury. Many quail that are shipped in wooden top crates 
die from no other cause than that of injury to the head receiv- 
ed by their springing upward and striking the top of the crate. 
This, if no other, is the chief thought we want to enforce in 
this section. Otherwise the crate may be made in any conven- 
ient form, with means of watering and feeding while enroute. 
Fasten the water dish stationary in the crate. In a sack place 
a sufficient quantity of grain to feed the birds while enroute, 



46 QUAILOLOGY - DOMESTICATION, ETC. 

such as wheat, buckwheat and cracked corn. Tie this to the 
crate with instructions to express messengers, which should be 
printed on your tag or label, to feed and water at 8 a. m. and 
5 p. m., and that the stock is domestic and for propagation. 



In Conclusion 



You have read the fore-going pages of this work, and if you 
have gone over them carefully, as you should have, the ques- 
tion of whether it is much trouble or not, to raise quail, is set- 
tled in your own mind. They are much easier to care for than 
chickens, take less feed, are more cleanly, more interesting and 
fascinating than chickens. If the work of caring for them is 
properly attended to daily, and nothing left undone, the time 
required will be a very small consideration in caring for a large 
number of birds. 

The pleasure you will secure from the the culture is limited 
only by the attention you give them. Treat them kindly, care 
for them well and they will entertain all of your spare moments 
with their antics and cheery note calls. 

The work of keeping up the aviary and caring for the birds 
is not heavy. The greatest care being the patience of feeding 
and raising the young chicks not raised by the parent birds. 
Yet it is a pleasure, rather than labor, to care for them if you 
are in any way inclined to the Love of Nature. 

As an article of food; it is unnecessary for us to say that the 
meat is a prize and that quail on toast is a delicacy. 

The profit in the culture we have only to figure from a fanciers 
standpoint. They are now being quoted from $3.00 to $3.50 
per dozen on the markets. That the bob-white may be in- 
creased in size under careful breeding, and command a better 
market price, we do not doubt. Again, when it becomes per- 
missible to sell live domesticated quail frys, we believe that the 



QUAILOLOGY - DOMESTICATION, ETC. 47 

spring chicken will feel worse than "thirty cents. " Breeding 
stock is far short of the demand at the present time. We 
have none to sell now, but could place from eight hundred to 
a thousand pairs in the next few weeks at $3.00 a pair, if we 
had them, and for perfectly tame hand raised birds there are 
many five dollar bills waiting. The "birds of the field" are 
diminishing and the fanciers who supplant the supply with 
domesticated stock on the market are sure of an increasing de- 
mand for table use. 

To those who wish to inquire further we would say, kindly 
enclose a stamp and we will cheerfully respond to your inquir- 
ies. To those in the culture we solicit an exchange of notes 
for mutual benefit. 

In the next section we have given a few letters from fan- 
ciers and a few clippings from which we trust you may derive 
some good. 




An exchange of Natural History Notes on 
any or all of the Gallinaceous Birds and 
Letters of Experience In Domestication are 
solicited for the benefit of the culture.— Ed. 



QUAILOLOGY. 



Part III. 

LETTERS & CLIPPINGS FROM FANCIERS 

WHO RAISE QUAIL. 



San Francisco, Calif. 

Written especially for Quailology. 

The breeding of the California Valley or Mountain Quail in 
confinement in my opinion cannot be successfully carried on, 
while it is true one may raise a few, but not to such an extent 
as to be termed successful. 

I take this view of the subject from the experience of my- 
self and friend, Ralph Miller of Santa Cruz, California, than 
whom no person in this state has had more extended experience 
or given the subject more careful consideration. 

The California Valley Quail is a very game bird and one hard 
to domesticate. Once disturbed the female seldom returns to 
her nest. Some have been raised in confinement by the female 
quail, but the most successful plan is to set the eggs under a 
bantam hen. Mr. Miller and myself followed this plan with 
fair success. 

I build my aviary 35x8x6 feet high, and if possible around a 
tree for the quail to hide and roost in. I also place brush and 
leaves in the aviary for the quail to nest in. When the quail 
have nested I take the eggs and place them under a bantam 
hen in a suitable nest. Prior to placing the hen on the nest I 
give her a good dose of buhach in order to kill all the vermin. 
On the 23rd day the eggs should hatch. I then take the hen 



50 QUAILOLOGY - LETTERS & CLIPPINGS. 

and chicks and place them in a pen 8x4x2 feet high. I make 
the sides and ends of lumber, and cover the top with one inch 
mesh wire, and it should be built in a sunny place and have no 
floor, and should be well supplied with sand and dust. 
Across one end of this pen I build a box the width and heighth 
of the pen and 2 feet deep, with slats in front, so as to allow 
the chicks to enter the main pen but prevent the hen from do- 
ing so, and so constructed that the chicks can go to her and so 
the hen can get her head between the slats and call and feed 
the chicks. I place the feed directly in front of the slats in the 
main pen, keeping the hen in this box until I see the chicks 
are strong enough to allow the hen to enter the pen with them. 

I feed finely chopped chick-weed or lettuce together with 
boiled eggs, maggots, ground corn and mixed bird seed. I pro- 
duce the maggots by exposing a piece of meat or a sheep pluck 
to the flies, and then putting it in a barrel and covering it with 
moist bran. Every three or four days I start a second lot so as 
to always have some on hand when I start a new lot. By fol- 
lowing this plan the Mongolian Pheasant can be successfully 
raised, and I have had fair success with quail. I constantly 
keep plenty of good sharp grit and plenty of green feed and 
pure water in my aviary, and have never had any trouble with 
my birds. About the time I expect the eggs to hatch, I place a 
fine wire screen over the hen and nest in order that the chicks 
cannot get out of the nest else they would run away. I also 
remove the hen from the nest and place her in the pen as soon 
as possible after the eggs are hatched. I feed six times a day. 

From what I have been able to observe quail and pheasant 
feed their young on insects for the first few days and until they 
become able to look after themselves a little when they begin 
to seek more solid food such as grain and grass seeds. I find 
the maggots the best and most easy procured substitute to take 
the place of the insects, etc, that the birds would get in their 
natural haunts. 



QUAILOLOGY - LETTERS & CLIPPINGS. 51 

The propagation of game birds such as the California Valley 
Quail in confinment is expensive and requires a great deal of 
attention. From what experience I have had, I believe that 10 
pairs of quail will produce more young in their natural state 
than 50 pairs will or can be made to produce in confinment. 

When one has a piece of cover where quail are breeding, he 
should allow no shooting at anything during the entire close or 
breeding season. To allow shooting in the vicinity; of ground 
when quail are breeding disturbs them and they will not do 
near as well as if they were left entirely alone and in no way 
disturbed or frightened. They will pair earlier, lay more eggs, 
and I have known them to raise two broods of young in one 
year when they have been entirely undisturbed in any manner. 

In my opinion the California Valley Quail is the gamiest as well 
as the most beautiful of the whole quail family. 

Walter R. Welch. 



Rearing Quail In Confinement. 

Recreation, N. Y. City. ($1 00 per year.) 

Union City, Pa. 

In answer to David Shafer's questions in February Recrea- 
tion, would say I have bred many quail in captivity, and with 
considerable success. 

It is best to get birds late in the fall for breeding, and keep 
them through the winter, as they lose much of their shyness, 
if properly cared for, by spring. 

My breeding pens were 12 foot long, 8 feet wide, and 7 feet 
high. The entire front and 2-3 of the roof were made of woven 
wire, one inch mesh. The back and sides were boarded up; 
also about 1-3 of the roof. The pens should have no floor. To 
keep out rats, sink one inch mesh wire netting into the ground 
about 13 inches deep. Rats are the worst enemies of young 
quail in captivity. Care must be taken that the ground is free 



i 



52 QUAILOLOGY - LETTERS & CLIPPINGS. 

from depressions in which the rain could form pools. 

Each pen should contain a plentiful supply of loose straw 
and prairie grass for the young birds to hide in. A lot of cut 
brush in one corner or along one entire end, makes the best 
resting place. 

The best results will be had by keeping only one pair of 
adult birds in a pen. 

After they have been placed in their pens they should be 
disturbed as little as possible. 

The pens should be so built that food and water can be sup- 
plid without entering them. 

My henslaveraged 12 eggs a setting, although I have had them 
lay as many as 18. A few days before it is time for the young 
to appear I begin feeding hard boiled eggs and stale crackers 
mixed, together with dried ants' eggs and plenty of seeds. 

When the young birds appeared I gave them a liberal supply 
of meal worms, and sometimes a little boiled beef, chopped 
fine. 

In about six weeks the young are able to take care of them- 
selves. Then they can be removed; and, if not too late in the 
season, the old birds will at once begin laying again. How- 
ever, I seldom had good sucees with the second brood. The 
young never seemed so strong, nor did they grow so fast as 
the first. 

I always let the hen do her own setting, but know of sev- 
eral persons who placed the eggs under domestic fowls 

C. T. Metzger. 

(Note.— Mr. Metzgers present address is unknown. —Ed. ) 



Natural History Notes. 

Recreation, N. Y. City. ($1.00 per year.) 

I feed my quails cracked corn, whole wheat, buckwheat, 
hemp seed, barley and maggots. Give each kind of feed sep- 
aratly and only once a day. Give that at noon. Also plenty 




OK 

Sir 



QUAILOLOGY - LETTERS & CLIPPINGS. 53 

of fresh water. Be sure the quails have grit; get mica crystal 
grit, pigeon size. In the breeding season feed in the morning 
a mash consisting of 1 teacup of bran, 1 teacup of corn meal, 
1-2 teacup of beef scraps, 1 teaspoonful of Egg-0; mix with 
hot water and feed hot. This is enough for 20 quails. Do not 
make the mash loppy. Wet it just enough to make it stick 
together. Give finely cut oyster shells. 

If these directions are followed quails ought to lay lots of 
eggs and hatch strong young birds. We raise hundreds every 
year of each variety. 

Egg-0 is the best thing known to feed any and all wild birds. 

I have fed it for 6 years and can raise 85 per cent. Will 
answer any questions on care of wild game birds. 

C. L. Darlington, Stoneham, Mass. 



A Successful Fancier, 

Hope Mclntyre of Sioux City, Iowa, writes us a very interest- 
ing letter with reference to his success in raising quail in 
confinement. 

In part he says: I purchased a live female quail from a boy 
who had trapped it in the fall of 1898. I immediately cut one 
wing and put it in the window of the Niagara restaurant, in 
which I am interested. I left it uncaged and no screen. For 
the first week had all kinds of trouble in keeping the bird in 
its new quarters, but with persistent work and gentle treat- 
ment the little one at last showed signs of contentment. Two 
weeks later another female was secured by the same boy and 
came into my possession. I found no such trouble with it as 
with the first bird, both growing more like pets than wild 
birds eating berries and green stuff such as lettuce, etc. from 
my hand. 

In the spring of 1899 Conductor Butler of the Sioux City & 



54 QUAILOLOGY - LETTERS & CLIPPINGS. 

Northern road, who was a great admirer of the birds, brought 
a male from up in the country. The three were kept as an 
attraction in the window of the restaurant, where thousands of 
people looked at them and wondered at their domestic nature. 

As spring advanced I noticed the male picking up pieces of 
straw, dead grass etc. Suspecting they were going to nest, I 
removed them to a coop on the ground, against the side of the 
barn. The coop is sixteen feet long, eight feet wide and eight 
feet high, rat proof. The south and front of coop is half inch 
mesh wire. Top and sides both sealed. I water them every 
day and feed screenings, cracked corn and plenty of green 
stuff. Threw in the rakings of the yard , an armful of straw 
and fixed several little hiding places and left them in their 
glory. Allowed no one to disturb them or in the coop. Had 
water trough so arranged as to fill it from the door without 
molesting them. 

The result was the last week in June to find thirteen little 
fellows racing around the coop." 

He now has a large flock of very tame birds and has dispos- 
ed of a great many at good figures. 

Success With Several Varieties. 

Written especially for Quailology. 

To write an article on the culture of quail such as I would 
like to write would fill a book of many pages but I will try and 
condense my thoughts so that I can give to you my experience 
on this subject in the limited space allowed me. 

I have raised quail from the time when they were two or 
three days old to grown birds, also from the eggs hatched 
under the mother quail, under the bantam hen, and in the 
incubator. 

I have been asked a great many times what I found the best, 
and have answered it thus; it depends a great deal on the per- 




Pair oV Domesticated Bob White 

Owned by H. A. Boies. Photot'raphed in the Aviary 



QUAILOLOGY - LETTERS & CLIPPINGS. 55 

son; if you have lots of time to give to the little ones either of 
the following ways will prove satisfactory. As soon as the 
mother quail has finished laying, remove the eggs very care- 
fully and put them under a small bantam hen, I think the co- 
chin breed to be the best if you can get one not too large, as 
they will cover the eggs much better than other varieties, but 
what ever kind you use be sure that it is free from vermine. 

If you can run an incubator try hatching the eggs in this, 
you will find it very interesting. After the eggs have hatched 
and the little ones have been with the mother about twent-four 
hours, remove them to a small brooder, by this time they will 
have learned to eat and you will find them very interesting 
little pets. Quails that have been raised in a brooder are as 
tame as little chicks, and you can handle them at will for they 
have no mother to frighten them, while those raised by the 
bantam hen are more timid, and will not as a general thing let 
you touch them. Only as the last resort let the mother quail 
raise her own young, for unless she is a very tame bird you will 
not see very much of her little ones, and even then they will be 
taught to fear you. 

I keep my young quail indoors the first week, then I remove 
the brooder out-doors into a pen made as follows: Make a 
frame out of some light stuff, four foot long, two foot wide and 
one and a half foot high, use a four inch board around the bot- 
tom, then fasten fine wire netting on one side and both ends; 
make the top seperate and after covering it with wire netting, 
fasten with hinges. On the side left open build the shelter; 
make it four foot long, two foot deep, with a front one and one 
half foot hgih and a back one foot high. Under this shelter 
place your brooder; for the first two or three nights you will 
have to put the little fellows in, but they will soon learn to 
go in themselves whenever they get cold. Leave them in 
this pen until they are one third grown, then put them in 
the larger aviaries where they are to be kept. 



56 QUAILOLOGY - LETTERS & CLIPPINGS. 

My large aviaries are sixteen feet long, ten feet wide, and 
six feet high, with a one foot board around the bottom, and 
are covered with one inch mesh wire netting; on the south side 
I build a tight water-proof shed, I make it the full width of 
the aviary, six foot deep with a front six feet high and a back 
four feet; the top, back, and two ends are boarded up good 
and tight, while the front or south side is left open; be sure 
and have the ground higher under the shelter, so the water 
will not run in. I keep hay on the ground for them to roost 
on also a few evergreen boughs for them to hide in. In the 
winter I put some evergreen boughs over the front of the coop 
to help keep the snow out. For entering the aviary and coop, 
I have a door on either side next to the coop. These aviaries 
will accomodate from fifteen to twenty pair of old birds. 

The quail will build her own nest, but it is best to fix a 
place for them to build it in, which can be easily done by fas- 
tening a board about one foot square one foot from one side in 
the back of the coop, over this little pen place some evergreen 
boughs, so as to hide it; the quail will soon find this and will 
prodably build their nests there. 

If you want your pets to do well they must have good 
wholesome food and the best of care. I feed my young quail 
for the first week on a mash made as follows:— Take equal 
parts of com meal and middlings, to which a little brand and 
the raw yolk of one or two eggs is added; feed every two or 
three hours and only what they will eat up clean, as they be- 
come older I do not feed so often, it is better to keep them a 
little hungry than to overfeed; after the first week add to the 
above a little ground beef and some green stuff such as lettuce 
or celery tops, boiled potatoes are also very good, in addition 
to the above throw a handful of millet seed into the pen every 
day; after the second week add an even portion of clover meal; 
I feed this mash until they are a third or half grown then I 
feed the mash in the morning and grain in the evening; I think 



QUAILOLOGY - LETTERS & CLIPPINGS. 57 

a mixture of wheat, and buckwheat to which a very little 
cracked corn is added is the best; in the winter have the mash 
hot and add more corn to the grain mixture; outside of their 
regular meals feed green grass or clover cut in proper lengths, 
and a small quanity of fresh lean meat cooked and cut into 
suitable pieces; always keep a supply of grit and fresh clean 
water within easy reach, and see that the drinking vessels are 
kept clean. 

I have also raised the Mexican and California varieties and 
cannot see but that one variety is as easy to raise as another. 

The quail fancy, practically speaking, is new though they 
have been kept as pets as far back as the year 1794, but as a 
fancy it has only started in the last year and whether it is to 
live or die depends upon the way it is supported by our brother 
fanciers. Some, to be sure will make a failure of it while 
others will make a grand success, but we must all take hold 
and do the best we can and let our followers profit by the mis- 
takes we have made, and we will soon have the raising of quail, 
whether for pleasure or profit, one of the leading fancies. 

The quail as we all know are rapidly disappearing and it will 
not be very long before they will be a bird of the past; they 
will be hunted until the last one is gone. There remains but 
one way to save this noble bird, and that is through the fancy, 
so brothers let's put all of our efforts towords saving the noblest 
of all our game birds, the "QUAIL." 

H. A. Boies, Detroit, Mich. 



Quails In Domestication.—Extracts. 

Recreation, N. Y. City. ($1 00 per year.) 

Several years ago I procured 2 pair of quails from a friend in 
Oklahoma. I placed them in an open cage, 5x12 feet, in the 
garden, exposed to all kinds of weather. This was close to the 
chicken yard, a fact which I afterwards regretted, as quail are 



58 QUAILOLOGY - LETTERS & CLIPPINGS. 

dainty in their habits, and if given ample opportunity for dust 
baths, keep free from vermin. ... When 15 eggs had been laid, 
they prepared to set, when the male escaped. ... The plucky lit- 
tle hen assumed all responsibility and proceeded to hatch the 
eggs, which she did in 25 days, hatching the entire 15 birds 

Last year I again had 2 hens and one cock, and they mated as 
before, declining polygamy most emphatically. ... During the 
season they laid 54 eggs, but did not set at all,... so I placed a 
number of fertile eggs in the... incubator and hatched several of 
them, placing them in a brooder. ... At that particular time I 
was away from home, and as they were entirely without attend- 
ance, it was not surprising that on my return all but one were 
dead. How that one survived I do not knov/,... When only 6 
weeks old and before he was fully fledged, I had another small 
hatching from the incubator, and I placed them with him. At 
first he seemed to consider them grasshoppers, and treated 
them as such, but in a day or 2 not only tolerated them but, to 
my surprise, actually brooded them.... 

Wild mustard,... they eat greedily, leaving grain untouched 
if they can get the seeds of this weed. 

...Anyone who will adopt the quail as a protege, as I have 
done, will find himself well repaid for the trouble. They are 
not only more affectionate than our common poultry, but vastly 
more interesting. ... Quail are much like turkeys when young, 
a very little will kill them, especially cold or wet; but with a 
dry and moderately warm place they are sure to thrive. 

J. T. Blandford, Buffalo, N. Y. 







— 3 

2« 



Of: 



QUAILOLOGY. 



Part av. 
A DIGEST OF GAME LAWS. 



We have endeavored to make this section as concise as pos- 
sible to convey the desired information. From the U. S. Agri- 
cultural Department, Bulletin 16-1901, we take the following: 

Game For Propagation. 

"The subject of transportation of game for breeding purposes 
is one that has received too little attention at the hands of law 
makers. In some States the prohibition against export is so 
broad as to include not only dead game, but also live animals 
and birds intended for propagation Maine has recently in- 
augurated a departure in requiring every person who imports 
game to first secure a permit from the commissioner of inland 
fisheries and game, under penalty of a fine of $50 to $500. 
Delaware, Nevada, North Carolina, and Tennessee have strin- 
gent laws prohibiting the export of quail, dead or alive, out of 
the State Canadian laws are less restrictive. The Do- 
minion places no restriction on the exportation of live game, 
and several of the Provinces authorize the proper authorities to 
issue licenses for shipments of game intended for breeding pur- 
poses. A few States have adopted this principle, and some 
others make exceptions in nonexpert laws, or permit possession 
at any time of game intended for propagation." 

From Biological Survey Circular No. 29. "The Department 
issues no permits for shipping birds from one State to another. 



60 QUAILOLOGY - DIGEST OF GAME LAWS. 

In some States, as in California, the Board of Fish and Game 
Commissioners is authorized to issue permits for shipping birds 
for propagating purposes, and a few States, such as Michigan 
and New Jersey, make exceptions in their game laws in the 
case of birds captured for breeding purposes; but when a State 
forbids the exportation of birds without exception, interstate 
commerce in birds from that State is in violation of the Lacey 
Act, whether the birds are captured during the open season or 
whether they are intended for propagation or not," 

T, S. Palmer's Decision. 

In response to an inquiry made of Mr. T. S. Palmer, Ass't In 
Charge Game Preservation. Biological Survey, Washington, D. 
C. , we quote his reply. 

"1. In general the law does not permit the sale of quail out 
of season, whether raised in captivity or not unless, as in the 
case of some State laws, there is a special proviso to this effect. 

2. The law prohibits the shipment of such quail unless there 
is special provision for the shipment of birds for propagation. 

3. Quail cannot be lawfully trapped or netted for purposes 
of propagation if the law does not provide for their capture for 
such purposes. 

4. In the absence of a specific provision for propagation the 
general law relating to possession or capture of game applies 
to quail in captivity as well as to wild birds." 

From the preceeding paragraphs it will be plainly seen that 
those in charge of game preservation are heartily in accord 
with the fanciers in making provisions for the propagation, if 
not domestication, of our game animals and birds. However, it 
rests with the fanciers in their own State to urge regulations 
in the exceptions to laws in the case of game birds for propa- 
gating purposes. While it is true in a sense that the quail after 
being domesticated become individual property, never-the-less 
a number are violating the letter of the law, yet not the intent 
thereof, as the law makes game birds the property of the State, 



QUAILOLOGY - DIGEST OF GAME LAWS. 61 

unless special provisions are made for propagation and breed- 
ing purposes. 

The following table shows the Close Seasons for Quail and 
Partridges in the United States and Canada, taken from the 
1902 law and revisions, with notation of exceptions in case of 
birds for propagation, etc. 

Close Seasons, Exceptions to General Law, 1902. 



State 



Quail - Partridge 



Remarks 



X 

It 
X 



X 

t-F 
t 

t 
5 



B 
X-E 

D 

A 



X 



X-A 

C 



NORTHERN 



6 

t 

H 



Maine 

New Hampshire. 

Vermont 

Massachusetts . . 
Rhode Island... 

Connecticut 

New York (1)... 
Long Island . . . . 

New Jersey 

Pennsylvania. . . . 

Delaware 

Maryland (1) 

Dist. Columbia. . 

Virginia (1) 

West Virginia. . . 

Kentucky 

Ohio 

Michigan 

Indiana 

Illinois 

Wisconsin 

Minnesota 

Iowa 

Missouri 

Kansas 

Nebraska 

South Dakota . . 
North Dakota . . 

Montana 

Wyoming 

Colorado 



SOUTHERN 

North Carolina (1) 
South Carolina. . . . 

Georgia 

Florida 

Alabama (1) 

Mississippi 

Tennessee (1) 



Dec. 1-Oct. 1 
Dec. 15-Sept. 15 
Jan. 1-Sept. 1 
Dec. 1-Oct. 1 (1) 
Dec 16-Oct. 15 
Dec. 1-Oct. 1 
Dec. 16-Nov. 1 
Jan. 1-Nov. 1 
Jan. 1-Nov. 10 
Dec. 16-Oct. lo 
1-Nov. 15 
25-Nov. 1 
Mar. 15-Nov. 1 
Jan. 1-Oct. 15 
Dec. 20-Nov. 1 
Jan. 1-Nov. 15 
2-Nov. 10 
1-Oct. 20(19) 
Jan. 1-Nov. 10 
Dec. 20-Nov. 1(7) 
To Sept. 1!)03 
Dec. 1-Oct. 1 
Jan. 1-Nov. 1 
Jan. 1-Nov. 1 
Jan. 1-Dec. 1 
To Nov. 1, 1903 
Jan. 1--Scpt. 1 
To Sept. 1, 1905 
At all times 



Jan 
Dec 



Dec. 
Dec. 



At all times 



Mar. 15--N0V. 1 
Apr. I--N0V. 1 
Mar. I5--N0V. 1 
Mar. I--N0V. 1 
Mar. 2-Nov. 15 
May l--Oet. 1 
Mar. 1-Nov. 1 



m 




u 




0) 




-^3 




■M 




QJ 




H-1 




'Tzi 




c 




OS 




zn 







1 


%* 




a 


0) 


fe 


ft 


02 


U) 


^ 


c 


u 




CJ 


^ 


g 





e4-( 


T! 





^H 


c 


<i) 


.2 


O) 


as 




C 




c3 








a 




X 









u 









[^ 





62 QUAILOLOGY - DIGEST OF GAME LAWS. 
Close Seasons, Exceptions to General Law, 1902. 

( Contiuued. ) 



State 



Quail - Partridge 



Remarks 



27 
Q 

t 
A 



B 
B 

28 



B 



X 



Arkansas. . , . 

Louisiana 

Texas 

Oklahoma 

New Mexico. 
Arizona 



PACIFIC 



California. .. 

Nevada 

Utah 

Idaho 

Washington. 
Oregon (1). . 
Hawaii 



CANADA 

British Columbia. 

Manitoba 

Ontario ,.. 



Mar. l--Oct. 1 
Apr. I--N0V. 1 
Mar. 16-Oct. 1 
Feb. l--Oct. 15 
Mar. l--Oct. 1 
Mar. l--Oct. 15 



Feb. 1-Oct. 1 
Mar. 16--Sept. 1 (2) 
At all times (1) 
Dec. 1-Nov. 1 
To 1903 
Dec. 1-Oct. 1 
Mar. 1-Sept. 16 



At all times 
Jan. 1- Aug. 1 
Dec. I--N0V. 1 









a* 


c 



0) 


4-3 






0) 






Oi 


n3 


X 


C 





ti 


^ 


m 


.'^ 


<D 


u^ 


u 



bo 






(*) Prohibited Methods— Traps, Nets, etc. f Killing by other means than 
shooting with a gun. 5 Birds; possession of traps, nets or snares also pro- 
hibited. 6 Quail, except on ones own premises 14 Quail 27 Taking quail 
or partridges with nets. 38 Partridge during close seaaon; quail at all times. 
X Indicates simple prohibitions, 

(*) Exceptions to law in case of birds for propagation, A Possession for 
propagation permitted during close season. B Exception in case of game 
birds for propagation ; permit required from State Commissioners. C Im- 
portation allowed on permit from Commissioners; parks may exchange with 
individuals within or without the State. D Lawful to export game birds 
captured within the State, under license from State, E State Game Ward- 
en authorized to issue permit to capture any game birds for propagation if 
not for sale. F Importation only, for propagation. G Exception in case of 
fine birds captured for domestic or scientific purposes, provided that not 
more than one pair may be shipped at one time. H Exceptions in certain 
counties. 

Figures after State or date. (1) Indicates County exceptions in which 
special protective legislation exists and close season varies from that of the 
general State law. (2) Certain species. (7) Sale. (19) Under the old law 
which will stand. 



\^^V 




California Partridge. 



IMiotd I'lX.ni Hie b.\ 
Ur. K. W Shufcklt. 



QUAILOLOGY - A TOAST. 63 



Quail Toast. 

(Woods & Waters, Boston. Quarterly, 35c a year.) 

"Bob-bob-white!" 
O'er the meadow comes the greeting, 
Clear and sweet, with echo fleeting 
Back along the woodland's shadow, 
Faint returning o'er the meadow— 

"Bob-bob-white!" 

"Bob-bob-white!" 
Up the lark springs from the heather, 
Thrilling praise of balmy weather; 
But the daisies blink and glisten 
As they bow their heads and listen— 

"Bob-bob-white!" 

"Bob-bob-white!" 
At the banquet of the morning 
With its crystal drops adorning, 
Like a dream of music floating 
Rings the toast in silv'ry noting— 

"Bob-bob-white!" 

"Bob-bob-white!" 
O'er the meadow comes the greeting, 
Clear and sweet, the echoes fleeting 
Back along the woodland's shadow, 
Faint returning o'er the meadow— 

"Bob-bob-white!" 

Charles Sloan Reid. 



64 QUAILOLOGY - TAXIDERM. 



Taxiderm = Taxidermy. 

■^ "^ -^ 

TRULY THE POSSESSOR of The Art of Taxidermy 
hath been endowed with a touch from the God of All 
Nature. As he carefully removes the coat that covered 
the once graceful form of bird or beast and prepares for it a 
new body, we but wonder at the patience and skill he has at- 
tained. Yet see him now, as he shapes the specimen into a 
beautiful form that would invite envy from the bird or beast 
himself were he there to view his likeness. How cunning the 
workman, what pleasure he takes from his efforts to reproduce 
Nature in his den for himself and others admiration. Truly it 
is Art, stolen from Nature, yet why can not we too partake of 
the lessons and master the Art? 

We can, we do, not by his method but by others we are more 
capable of mastering, that require less time, less practice, yet 
for a moderate display of skill there is plenty of room if we 
desire it. Thousands are using this method and you can learn 
as well as they. It is the Taxiderm Method of Embalming 
whereby only the viscera and eyes are removed and the remain- 
der of the body left in, and preserved with Taxiderm, insuring 
the natural and exact form of the once living specimen. 

The tools you require, the Taxiderm compound and the full 
course of instructions are within your reach, a complete outfit 
for Five Dollars, while should you follow our "remover of Nat- 
ures coat" you will expend hundreds of dollars for treatises 
and tools, and years of experience to reach that portion of the 
Ideal of Perfection embodied in your first Taxiderm Specimen. 



-«fl^ -vS^s^ -^^S" -?«*f»^ -^^k^^ r^j^P*^ 



QUAILOLOGY - ADVERTISEMENTS. 65 



Taxiderm « A Quail. 

The following Instructions are given for Preserving and Mounting a 
Quail by the Taxiderm Method. 

Preserving:— Lay the quail on a piece of paper, on its back; careful- 
ly part the feathers and cut through the walls of the abdomen from the 
lower end of the breast bone to the vent. Remove intestines, liver, etc, 
throitgh this opening being careful not to soil the plumage. Wipe away 
the blood and profuse matter with a piece of cotton and powder the cavity 
with Taxiderm, well up into the lung cavity. Loosen the skin from the 
breast and insert a small quantity of Taxiderm; also insert a thin layer of 
saw-dust to allow for slight shrinking of the flesh, and to give the speci- 
men a plump appearance. Treat the legs in the same manner, skinning 
them out through the body cavity, making several incisions in the flesh 
and powdering them well. Fill the abdominal cavity with saw-dust, cotton 
or tow, tow preferred, and sew up the skin, beginning at the breast bone 
and sewing down, after which, carefully lay the feathers over the incision. 
Make an incision along the underside of the wings and thoroughly powder 
the fleshy part. Next remove the eyes from their sockets, wiping away all 
watery matter and powder the cavities well, filling them temporarily with 
cotton. Open the mouth and with a scalpel make an incision well back in 
the roof into the brain cavity and force a quantity of Taxiderm into the 
opening. Clean the throat with a small swab and powder it well, filling it 
up with saw dust or tow. Fasten the mandibles together with a thread 
to hold them in position until dry. Your specimen is now ready for 
mounting. 

Mounting— Take a wire about two inches longer than the bird from 
toes to point of bill, sharpen it with your file and run it up the back of 
the leg inside the skin, through the body cavity, neck and out through the 
skull, allowing it to protrude about an inch to aid in handling. Take an- 
other wire about two-thirds as long as the first and after sharpening the 
point pass it up the back of the other leg inside of the skin, through the 
body cavity, and out through the back. Hook it over and draw it back 
into the body to form a firm support, carefully concealing it by replacing 
the feathers over it. Straighten the legs and run the protruding wires 
through holes in a perch or base and fasten them securely. Now bend the 
bird into its natural or desired position. It is well to be a careful observer of 
bird life that you may be able to give to your mounted specimens life-like atti- 
tudes. Remove the cotton from the ej^e cavities, powder well and fill with 
putty, inserting No 8 hazel glass eyes drawing the eyelids down over the edges 
of the eye. Secure the wings in position with pins. Elevate the tail by a pin 
run into the body below the tail. Hat or belt pins are very good for these pur- 
poses. Wind the plumage down in place with cops or cotton strips and set the 
quail away to dry after which they can be removed and the wings and feathers 
will hold their place. 
I^" For Outfits, Full Instructions, Prices, Etc, see following page. 



66 



QUAILOLOGY - ADVERTISEMENTS. 



PRICL 
LIST 

© OF ® 
TAXIDERM 
SUPPLIES 



Outfit No. I $5.00. 

Consists of: — 2 Pounds of Taxiderm, (a suflScient 
quantity of the embalming compound to preserve 
the flesh of 100 birds the size of a quail), Book of 
Iiistnictions, Scalpel, Eye Hook, Taxidermists For- 
ceps and Tweezers, Assostment of Glass Eyes, 
Cops, Artificial Leaves, Perches and Support Wiree. 
Sent by express upon receipt of price, $5.00 

Outfit No. 2. $2.00. 

Consists of: — 1 Pound of Taxiderm, Scalpel, Eyo 
Hook, 25 cent Assortment of Glass Eyes, Cops and 
Book of Instructions. 

Sent by express upon receipt of price, $2.00. 




Tools and Supplies, 

Taxiderm, per pound by express $1,00 

Scalpel, Ebony Handle 60c. 

Eye Hook, fancy milled handle 25c. 

Taxidermists Tweezers .25c. 

" " Forceps, nickel plated 75^^. 

Bird Lime, for catching small birds, per bottle. 25c. 

Cops, for winding plumage, each 10c. 

Wire, best annealed iron, 18 inches long, price per 

TAXIDERM CO P^^'^"*^' carriage extra 25c. 

Sheilds, for game pieces, by express, small 75c. 

Little Sioux, medieum $1.25; large $1.50 

Iowa. Artificial Leaves, per gross, assorted 75c. 



Fop Sale By 



Rackham's 
Poultry Directly 

Contains the full names and addresses of over 
twenty thousand Poultry Breeders, Exhibition 
Judges, Specialists, Experts, Merchants, Sup- 
ply Dealers, Manufacturers and others inter- 
ested in the poultry business, Also a list of 
Clubs, Papers, Books, Incubators, Foods, Medi- 
cines and all appliances. 

Price $1,00, postpaid. 

Chamberlain Publishing Co, 

East Orange, N. J. 



CAN FILL YOUR ORDERS 



FORQUAIL, PHEASANTS, 
PIGEONS, DOGS, FERRETS, 
And all varieties of Pet Stock. 



H. A. BOIES, 

Detroit, @ @ m Michigan. 



QUAILOLOGY - ADVERTISEMENTS. 



67 



I AMERICAN BIRD MAGAZINE 

Profusely Illustrated with Photographs of Wild Birds from Life. 
Fresh, Interesting and Instructive Bird Literature. * « « * 4> 

EVERYTHING ORIGINAL 

Each number contains TEN BIRDS IN NATURAL COLORS for 
Identification. Monthly $1 a year; single copies 10 cents. • * « 



f 










i 



FREE TO OUR SUBSCRIBERS 

Every one subscribing now to The American Bird Magazine is 
entitled to a life-sized enlapgetnent of the "Chippy Family" in 
natural colors, on paper 13 x 20 inches. This is probably the best photo- 
graph ever taken of an entire family of live wild birds. 

SPECIAL.— To all who mention Quailology we will send Vols. I 
and II, and subscription for 1903. with the "Chippy Family" for $2.50. 

Address 



v: 



AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY 



Worcester, Mass. 



68 



QUAILOLOGY - ADVERTISEMENTS. 





200-E 




The simplicity of the Stahl Incubatora created a demand that forced production 
to such great proportions It Is now possible to offer a flrst-class 2a^-6gg Incu- 
bator for 812.B0. This new incubator la an enlargement of the famous 



WOODEN HEN 

recognized the most perfect small hatcher. This new Incuba- 
tor is thoroughly well made; is a marvel of slmpll<;it7, and RO 
perfect In Uk working that It hatches every fertile epg. ^V rite 
for anything von want, to know nbont, lncul<ofors. Hend 
for the new free illustrated catalogue with 14 colored views. 



CEO. H. STAHL, Quincy. III. 



k^ 





Golden & Ringneck Pheasants 

Bred from high grade stock. 

White Cochin Bantams 

Eggs from prize winners $2.00. 

Mineral Tonic. 

This tonic solves the problem of raising 
either English or Golden Pheasants. 
The old birds will be strong and vigor- 
ous, eggs fertile and ninety-five per cent 
of all the birds hatched may be raised 
by the use of this tonic. Average cost 
to prepare, 15 cents per gallon. 

Formula with valuable hints forfeed- 
and caring for pheasants $1.00. 

M.G.RICHARDSON, Elgin, Illinois. 



Books. 

Prices are for books postpaid. 

BIRD.S OF Michigan 30c 

Notes on the Natural History of 

Labrador 25c 

Bird Life in Labrador 25c 

Bird Preserving and Mounting, 35c 

Apgars Pocket Key of Birds 30c 

Davies Nests and Eggs of North A- 
merican Birds 5th ed illustrated, $1.65 

Pre Historic Implements, $1.65 

Chinese School Books 16c 

Belgian Hare Course, twenty lessons 

in care, breeding and judging, ^2.50 

Pigeons & All About Them.. $1.00 

.» # For sale by the ^ .v. 
TAXIDERM CO, Little Sioux, la. 



QUAILOLOGY - ADVERTISEMENTS. 



69 



Geiri City Bird Store, Dayton, Ohio, 

G. /v. a^flrMB, Proprietor. ^ 



Largest dealer in California Valley, Mountain, 
Mexican or Scaled Partridge. German and European 

Quail. 

I have the stock on hand to fill your orders prompt- 
ly at reasonable prices. 



PIGEONS 




F. M. GILBERT'S latest work, 2G4 
pages, illustrated— strictly up to date. 
The only complete Pigeon Book published 
in the last twenty years. Cuts of all the 
best-known varieties. Standards of all 
varieties. Tells how to build loft, buy, 
mate, breed, feed, how to ship to cus- 
tomers, how to prepare for shows and 
ship to shows, how to prevent and cure 
disease, tells which are the best breeders 
and feeders, tells best varieties to breed 
in a city and which in small towns, tells 
how to mate for color— in fact. It tells 
just what it has taken the author forty- 
five years to learn by actual experience. 

Endorsed by all the leading' fanciers in 
America. Hundreds of letters praise it. 
Fourth edition now out. To get it 
promptly send one dollar to 

TAXIDERM CO, Little Sioux, Iowa. 



) 



This Coupon returned \ 

to us prior to .Tan. 1 04 } 

^ill be credited as 2.~.c. \ 

ona$'?,00, or s^LOOon a < 

^i;5.00 Taxiderm On I fit. ) 

TAXIDERM, CO Littlk Siou.x, Iowa.^ 



BRONZE TURIvEYS 
PHEASAKTS - GINSENG 



-o- 



Golden Pheasant Picture, in natural 
colors, 18 X 24, 25c. 

Pheasant and Quail Rearing, with 
colored plates, 50c. Larger Works 
$1.50, $3.00. 

N. B. CTJRSTEAD, 

Oliphaxt FrrKisfACE. Pa. 



Kmi 



Our Monthly Publication 
will keep you posted on our 
work and methods. Mailed 
Free to the 

ADVERTISING MAN 
of any responsible house. 

■- S ^ ( 



- 1:^ £ 1 



L"FJ 



^Q- 



70 



QUAILOLOGY - ADVERTISEMENTS. 



DR. GEO. W. LJTTLE, 
Breeds Hardy Varieties of Hi^h=CIass 

Fancy Pheasants and Qliails. 

47 Ridge Street, GLENS FALLS, N. Y. 



1 ^mr-rww— ^c^^ 

The Following Members oif the 

PHEASANT FAMILY 

ai»e in my Breeding Yards: 

Jungle Fowl 
Impeyan 
Tragopan 

Temmincks Tragopan 

Manchurian or Eared Pheasant 
Vulturine Guinea Fowl 
Elliot's 
Reeve's 

Versicolor 
Swinhoe's 
Silver 

Golden 



Hybred (Gold and Amherst) 
English Black Neck 

Oregon Mountain Quail 
California Valley Quail 
Bob White Quail 
Scaled Partridge 

Red Leged Partridge 



Lady Amherst 



1= 



Any of the last five make a nice show in 
an aviary with Pheasants. * .x. ^<. .^ ^. 

A work on Fancy Pheasants and their Allies describing Fifty 
Varieties, with Fifteen Illustrations, .x. .;;. * .,;. Price 75c. 



MAR 20 1903 



